Hundreds of people found out about life on a farm at an event last weekend.
The Fishwick family hosted an Open Farm Sunday event at their Low Bank Side Farm near Cartmel.
Martin and Arlene Fishwick, tenant farmers on the Holker Estate and among Cumbria’s longest-serving Open Farm Sunday hosts, once again opened their gates to the public to provide a behind-the-scenes insight into modern livestock farming, food production and the vital role farming plays in shaping the countryside.
They said it was their most successful Open Farm Sunday event to date
.Open Farm Sunday is organised nationally by Linking Environment And Farming and this year marked the initiative’s 20th anniversary.
Visitors enjoyed a packed programme of activities including livestock talks, machinery demonstrations, a lambing simulator, educational exhibits and opportunities to meet the people responsible for producing food in the local area.
The event also featured talks on paludiculture – or wet farming – alongside guided riverside walks exploring the relationship between farming and the natural environment.
Martin said the purpose of Open Farm Sunday extended far beyond opening farm gates for a day.
He said: “People often see individual parts of the countryside but not how they all fit together.
“Livestock farming, food production, healthy soils, grassland management, manure, wildlife habitats, climate resilience and thriving local communities are all interconnected.
“Our aim is to help people understand that farming sits at the heart of that system.
“Looking after the land responsibly is what enables us to produce food while also supporting biodiversity, maintaining the landscape and sustaining rural communities.”
Among those supporting the day weas Farmgate Vets. A spokesman said: “A super day was had by all at Low Bank Side Farm, Cartmel, where the Fishwick family threw their gates open for Open Farm Sunday. Lots of visitors, lots of questions and some great livestock on show, showcasing the best of British farming.”
Representatives from Holker Estate were also involved throughout the day.
Holker Estate operations director Morgan Robinson led guided riverside walks, helping visitors understand the relationship between farming, watercourses, wildlife habitats and the wider landscape.
The walks formed part of the estate’s ongoing commitment to demonstrating how productive farming and environmental stewardship can work hand-in-hand across the Cartmel Peninsula.
Morgan said: “Open Farm Sunday is a fantastic opportunity to give people a better understanding of where their food comes from and the work that farmers do every day.
“Events like this help build trust and understanding between farming and the public, while also demonstrating the important role that farmers play in caring for the countryside, supporting wildlife and sustaining rural communities.”
The Fishwicks added: “Thanks for all your support. What an amazing day we’ve had. Every year seems to get better.” The event received support from a wide range of local businesses, organisations, volunteers, friends and family members, all helping to showcase the realities of modern
