[O]n LEAF Open Farm Sunday hundreds of farmers across the country will open their gates to welcome the public and showcase all that British agriculture delivers. So to experience the magic of farming at first hand, put Sunday 10th June in your diary now.
LEAF Open Farm S unday is The Great British Farm Day and offers a unique chance to see what happens beyond the farm gate and show your support for British farming. This is your opportunity to talk to farmers and find the answers to the questions you’ve always wanted to ask… and even some you’ve never thought of!
As well as producing nutritious food, farmers also grow crops for medicines and clothes, as well as crops used for fuel and building homes. Farmers care for over 70% of our countryside, manage vital resources like water and soil, maintain miles of footpaths and hedgerows and provide homes for wildlife.
Most Open Farm Sunday events are free and farms of every type and size take part offering a range of activities – in fact there is something for everyone to enjoy with loads to see, do and learn. On LEAF Open Farm Sunday you can learn more about how your food is produced as well as…discover why worms are so important for the soil, why there wouldn’t be much fruit and veg without bees, and how farmers look after animals like cows, sheep and pigs, and care for wildlife too. You can also see science in action, including how farmers use the latest technology to farm sustainably and maybe take a peek inside a state of the art tractor. On many farms you will be able to take a farm walk or guided tractor and trailer ride, follow a nature trail and of course, talk to the people that make this all happen, the farmers!
Annabel Shackleton, LEAF Open Farm Sunday Manager said: “From the wheat for our bread and cereals, and the potatoes and pork for our sausage and mash, through to crops for fuel, clothes and even cosmetics, it all begins on a farm. Farmers play a vital part in our daily lives and LEAF Open Farm Sunday is your chance to be part of The Great British Farm Day and show your support for British farmers and farming.”
Tarnhouse Farm, RSPB Geltsdale Nature Reserve, Stagsike Cottages, Hallbankgate, Brampton, CA8 2PW
Hidden away in the north-west corner of the North Pennines, Geltsdale is a remote and ruggedly beautiful nature reserve that encompasses two hill farms – Geltsdale and Tarnhouse. Here, you can find upland birds such as black grouse, breeding waders including curlews, and birds of prey like the hen harrier. On Open Farm Sunday there will be the chance to join the Farmland Warden for a walk to look at the upland farm operation, where careful grazing management has enhanced breeding habitat for birds such as lapwing, redshank and black grouse. The walk will take in hay meadows, rough pasture for cattle, breeding wader birds, with a closer look at upland sheep and lambing.
Low Borrowbridge Farm, Tebay, Penrith, CA10 3XX
Low Borrowbridge Farm keeps rare and native breed sheep, dexter cattle and fell ponies. On Open Farm Sunday visitors will be able to learn about the farm’s three tier sheep system and the special role that the native Herdwick, Rough Fell and Swaledale sheep play. There will also be a Cumbrian X Factor for sheep when sheep breeds will go head to head for visitors’ votes and the opportunity for the Lunesdale Archaeological Trust and learn about the Roman fort and settlement at Low Borrowbridge. Book a place on a farm walk (11am / 2pm) by emailing [email protected]
Camp Farm, Maryport, CA15 6NX
Camp Farm at Maryport is at the western point of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site – one of the largest in the world. NECT acquired the farm in April 2015 following the winding up of the Hadrian’s Wall Trust. On Open Farm Sunday guests will be able to enjoy farm tours, environmental activities, plant seeds, make bug houses and more. Low Bankside Farm
The event details above are correct at the time of going to print. Please check details at www.farmsunday.org before visiting to ensure that nothing has changed.
