Open Farm Sunday, managed by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), has been taking place in June every year since 2006, and this year the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust took part in several events across the country.
The day provides an opportunity for farmers to share their fabulous work with all ages, by opening their farms to the general public, and showcasing the many goods and services they provide.
The Allerton Project
This year’s Open Farm Sunday theme, ‘Farming with Nature’, fits in nicely at the Allerton Project – a demonstration farm with over 30 years of research into sustainable farming methods. With the rain we’ve had so far this year, we were fearing the worst. Luckily, the weather was somewhat on our side, and we welcomed over 300 people to the farm over the course of the day.
There was something for everyone at Allerton’s Open Farm Sunday; adults, children, and those from farming and non-farming backgrounds. If it was food and farming you were interested in, our machinery and arable displays gave a great overview of what is grown in the UK and how we do it, highlighting the kinds of products that contain common crops such as wheat, barley, oats, etc. When it came to popularity amongst the younger years, there were two clear favourites: the bouncy tractor trailer tours and the lovable piglets and lambs at meet the animals. For those who wanted to learn about how farming and nature can coexist, we had a variety of informative activities relating to biodiversity and wildlife through stalls dedicated to bees, worms and many other insects.
In line with the farming with nature theme, we also offered a ‘Hedgerow Hunt’, where families had to identify both different species of hedgerow tree as well as farmland birds. While many of the stalls were run by the Allerton Project staff, we were also joined by some of our current partners including East Mercia Rivers Trust, Kings and Nestlé, who provided various family friendly activities as well as free giveaways. After all the excitement outdoors, visitors were able to relax inside the visitor centre and enjoy cream teas and cakes provided by the local Women’s Institute as well as observe the talents of local artist Penny Richardson.
Director of The Allerton Project, Dr Alastair Leake, said: “This is my 15th year of doing Open Farm Sunday. What a change has taken place over that time, with our audiences increasing in both size and cultural diversity. Alongside that, the event has become a focus with our own community with everyone from neighbouring farmers to the Women’s Institute pitching in. For a few hours we share with our guests the contribution the countryside makes to feeding us and caring for our wildlife.”
We would like to give thanks to all of those involved in the Allerton Project’s Open Farm Sunday 2024 – we couldn’t have done it without you! With thanks to: Gwilym Owen and family (Launde Farm Foods), Loddington WI, Gareth Owen and family, Michael Berg, Will Cropper and Oxey Farm, artist Penny Richardson, Charles Crisp, East Mercia Rivers Trust, Kings Crops, Nestlé, and volunteers.
Nunton Dairy Farm, near Salisbury
The Allenford Farmer Cluster (1/3 of Martin Down Supercluster) and the GWCT had a stand in the barn alongside sheep and lambs, calves and a cow to cuddle. There were also chickens with chicks, and trout from Trafalgar fisheries on display.
GWCT Advisor Megan Lock said: “It was a successful day and great to showcase the dedication and achievements of the Farmer Cluster, which Nunton Farm are a part of, and also speak to the public about the important research work of the GWCT.”
Bisterne Estate, near Ringwood
The GWCT’s Wetlands team were at the Bisterne Estate near Ringwood for Open Farm Sunday showcasing their work with wading birds in the New Forest.
