Lawrence Spring Farm

Lawrence Spring Farm was originally part of what used to be the largest farm on the island.  Started in the late 1800’s by the Burchell family, it was planted primarily in hay and grain for their cattle and sheep operation. The Burchells sold the property in 1926 and it then passed through several different owners. 

The property was selectively logged in the 1920’s, and then again in the 1950’s.  A large herd of cattle was pastured on the farm through the 1960’s and 1970’s.  Bill Dickie purchased it in 1980, and the Dickie family has continuously pastured a small herd of cattle on the farm since then. 

A description from the Colonist , Victoria, BC February 19, 1929 read: “At the foot of Mt. Burchell is an open expanse of pasture, some 40 acres in extent, with a stream meandering through it, and the whole space being wonderful pasture.”

Although the pastures of the early 20^th century have never been restored to their former fecundity, they have left in their legacy a beautiful meadow, with the stream still running through it today. The Valley, as it is called familiarly, is home to an abundance and variety of wildlife, as well as its contented herd of cattle.

Ann Dickie