Dig for victory

It’s Open Farm Sunday next weekend and Gayle Ritchie has had a taste of what to expect on a visit to Mylnefield Farm, part of the James Hutton Institute at Invergowrie

First a mild winter. Then a sunny spring. Is 2017 shaping up to be a year to remember in the garden?

There are many stereotypical views of farmers but the truth is, a lot of us have little or no understanding of what these custodians of the countryside actually do. Yes, many of them own collies and drive tractors but there’s a lot more to the job than that.

In fact, modern farming is incredibly diverse and impacts on all of us – from the clothes we wear to the medicines we take and food we eat.

That’s why Open Farm Sunday, managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) is one of the industry’s biggest success stories.

Since the first event in 2006, more than 1,500 farmers across the UK have opened their gates and welcomed 1.8 million people on to their land.

It’s a chance for everyone to discover first-hand what it means to be a farmer and encourages them to share their stories, from how crops are grown and animals cared for to how they manage the countryside.

Each event is tailored to the individual farm, with activities including nature trails, pond dipping, building insect hotels and tractor and trailer rides.

In Courier Country, two venues are taking part this year– Gilston Estate near Leven and the James Hutton Institute at Mylnefield Farm in Invergowrie.

“We’ve been involved every second year since it started in 2006,” says Dr Geoff Squire, an agricultural scientist and biologist at the Institute.

“We encourage kids and their parents to come and talk to farmers and scientists about all sorts of issues, from sustainable farming to protecting the environment.

“There’ll be tractor trailer tours, treasure hunts, games and competitions and we’ll bring out some animals and unusual machinery.”

One of the institute’s assets is its community garden and visitors will be able to tour it on the day.

“It’s designed to introduce people to different habitats of farming and look at crops and plants, as well as attitudes towards hedges, dry stane dykes and woodland corridors,” says Geoff.

“The garden can be buzzing with insects and resplendent with flowers but we also grow vegetables and cereals.

“Here, we don’t spray everything to death. Weeds are not regarded as the enemy; we have to coexist with them.”

Astronomer Ken Kennedy will be dropping in for the day and showing visitors how to use sunscopes and other meteorological instruments.

There will also be plant pressing and bread making and children will be able to build “insect hotels” from cones, twigs and straw.

The Institute’s head of farms, fields and glasshouses, Euan Caldwell says it’s an opportunity to show children how farmers manage the countryside and explore topics such as crop rotation and wildlife corridors.

“We can show features like hedgerows in miniature,” he adds. “And it’s a chance to tell of the challenges farmers experience.”

Visitors will also be able to explore the soft fruit fields and hear stories about plant breeding and new pestresistant varieties being produced by the institute.

Euan adds: “It’s exciting to be able to open our doors and tell the public about the good work we do in science and agriculture.

“The industry is often misunderstood but it 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.”

The industry is often misunderstood but has a vital role

Pictures: Dougie Nicolson. Clockwise from main image: Gayle at the James Hutton Institute with Euan Caldwell, left, and Dr Geoff Squire; Dr Squire shows Gayle an Angelica plant and Euan Caldwell instructs her on the institute’s automatic weather station.