Open Farm Sunday - 10 June 2007

Dig out your wellies ...

Anyone who appreciates the English countryside knows that farms are important and play a critical role as custodians of our landscape. However we often have very little understanding of what farming today is all about.

Open Farm Sunday is an annual, national Open Farm Day co-ordinated by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming). Its objective is for people to "hear and see the positive steps farmers are taking to look after the fabric of our countryside whilst producing safe, wholesome and affordable food".

There is often a disconnect between the public perception of life on a farm (romantic, stress-free, independent) and how they sometimes see this presented by the farming community (hard work, low pay, drowning in bureaucracy). Open Farm Sunday is an opportunity for farmers to show the public more about their way of life, how what they do is important for the landscape and why they need the public's support.

Last year's event was a pilot and involved nearly 300 farms. This year LEAF have high hopes for an even bigger event with many more farms taking part. To find a participating farm near you just click on Open Farm Sunday Events.

As well as farms being an integral part of our rural economy, events such as Open Farm Sunday are great for helping children appreciate the countryside and all that the outdoors has to offer. For children to enjoy walking they usually need something to focus their interest and a farm walk is a perfect example. That's on top of all the other activities ranging from farm tours, touching some of the animals, husbandry demonstrations and hands-on involvement with wildlife and countryside conservation. This should be a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

To find out more about farming and conservation, why not visit the LEAF website.