All the fun of the farm
WHO doesn’t love to see a cute little lamb or marvel at the wonders of Mother Nature at work when we look at acres of golden crops in fields?
More often than not we have to appreciate it from afar but, on Sunday, June 11, hundreds of farms across the UK will open their gates to welcome the public and showcase the fascinating world of farming.
Organisers say Open Farm Sunday will be not only be a fun and informative day out for all the family, but also gives visitors the chance to see, first-hand, all that farmers do and the impact their work has on all our lives.
Open Farm Sunday is managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) and Annabel Shackleton, Open Farm Sunday Manager, says: “This so often misunderstood industry has a vital role in not only producing safe nutritious food, but also using the latest science and technology to farm sustainably – that means increasing production while managing the environment for wildlife and enhancing our natural resources for generations to come.”
Since the first Open Farm Sunday in 2006 more than 1.8m people have visited an event. This year, farms across the country, from Cornwall to Orkney, will alloow you to see farming in action and learn more about the work farmers are ‘so proud to do’.
Most of the events will be free, with activities ranging from tractor trailer rides, farm walks and bug hunts, to feeding lambs, sheep shearing and milking demonstrations.
The technology and science behind farming and food production will also be a focus; providing visitors with a fascinating insight into the world of farming today.
Annabel adds: “Modern farming is incredibly diverse and impacts on all of us. From the clothes we wear to the medicines we take and the food we eat, farming plays a vital part in each of our lives. LEAF Open Farm Sunday gives us the rare opportunity to see farming in real life and to learn about the hard work, care and pride that goes into the work farmers do, which is so vital to the environment, our lives and the economy.
“But, as much as anything, it is a great day out for families. There are hundreds of farms opening and, while each event is unique, you can find activities for all ages. The day is a fun way to learn more about the very exciting world of farming.”
So circle the date in your diary, get your wellies out and visit farmsunday.
org to find your nearest open farm.