A Lake District fell farm is set to open its doors to the public for the first time.
Millbeck Farm in Langdale is holding an open day event on Sunday June 8 to give people an insight into fell farming life.
Chris and Emily Cannon, who run the farm, will play host to a day of activities including three walk and talks running at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.
The event is part of the national Linking Environment and Farming charity’s Open Farm Sunday campaign to help connect people to farming, the environment and where their food comes from.
The walk and talks will give the public can learn about Herdwick sheep, the life of a hill farming family in Langdale today and the history of the area.
The guided walk to the farm will be led by a National Trust ranger who’ll provide insights into Langdale, its agricultural heritage and the conservation work being delivered in the valley.
Langdale is home to a long tradition of fell farming which has helped shape the landscape.
People who attend the event will be able to see Herdwick sheep, traditional farmhouse buildings and meet the farmers to learn more about the key times of year in the farming calendar.
Joe Williams, National Trust Area Ranger for Langdale, said: “It’s a chance for people to come along to learn more about the farming system of the Langdale valley and Lake District, and to hear about how we’re working with farm tenants to create a more resilient landscape in Langdale that will benefit both farming and wildlife.
“There are a number of projects under way through the valley, including planting and laying hedgerows which benefits wildlife, acting as shelter and a food source, as well as being a living fence for livestock.
“We’re excited that Chris and Emily will be sharing their experiences as one of the farming families in the valley.”
The walk and talks are free, but advance booking is recommended. The meeting is point is at the welcome hut in the National Trust Stickle Ghyll car park. Visitors must pay for parking.
For more information and to book ticket, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/the-langdales
Several other farms in Cumbria are also taking part in the open farm campaign, including Susan’s Farm, in Houghton, Low Netherscales Farm, in Embleton, Low Stanger Farm, in Cockermouth and Low Bankside Farm, in Grange-over-Sands.
Low Bankside Farm, run by Martin and Arlene Fishwick, will invite the public in and have created a large jigsaw puzzle for children and adults to learn more about the work they do and show how farming is a key element in the ‘jigsaw of life’ that affects us all.
This will be the seventh year that the Fishwick family have opened up their farm to support the initiative.
For mother of six Arlene it’s all about education and learning in a fun environment. She said: “We put a lot of work into Open Farm Sunday – hosting talks, making animals available for visitors to see – including our pet lambs of course – and tractor and trailer rides to entertain the young and not so young!
“It gives us the opportunity to explain how farming, wildlife, the environment, food production and community life are all inter-dependent and affords children the opportunity to ask questions they might have about farm life whilst having some fun.”
Open Farm Sunday takes place on the 8June at Low Bankside Farm, Cartmel LA7 7NR from 10am to 3pm.
All are welcome and admission is free.
