Many NFU members will open their gates for LEAF Open Farm Sunday this weekend (11 June) to show their neighbours, customers and anyone with an interest exactly what happens over the hedgerow.
Thousands of people will find out more about farming and food as well as meeting farm animals and discovering farm wildlife, as well as seeing the work being done to improve habitat.
Battlefield 1403 Farm Shop and Exhibition Centre, at Shrewsbury, in Shropshire is just one of those taking part from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, while the Snell family at Windmill Hill, Harewood End, Hereford, will open from 11am to 1pm and Churchfields Farm, at Salwarpe, Droitwich, Worcestershire, from 10am to 4pm.
Middle Watchbury Farm, at Wasperton Lane, Barford Warwick, will welcome guests from 10am to 4pm and in Staffordshire Rowley Park, at Hamstall Ridware, Rugeley, will open to visitors from 11am and 4pm
Over the border Longlands Farm, at Linton, Swadlincote, in Derbyshire, is just one of many farms that are opening from 11am to 4pm and Naylor Flowers, at Spalding, Lincolnshire, and Dyson Farming, at The Hive Wasps Nest, Nocton, Lincoln, will see visitors from 10am to 4pm.
In Leicestershire, The Allerton Project, at Loddington, will open its gates from 10.30am to 3.30pm, Old Park Farm, at Syresham, Northamptonshire, from 11am to 4.30pm, and Wing Hall Farm, Wing Oakham, Rutland from 11am until 3pm.
There are many others to chose from across the Midlands and further details can be found at www.farmsunday.org/visit-a-farm online.
Linking Environment And Farming, LEAF, organises Open Farm Sunday each year, with support from the National Farmers’ Union and others.
Over the years LEAF research has shown these events help change the way people think about farming from the technology required to run a farming business through to how more sustainable, regenerative farming is helping to address the climate crisis through better soil and water management, reducing waste, using renewable energy and enhancing biodiversity.
“NFU members are poised to show off the best of British at LEAF Open Farm Sunday to help more and more people engage with farming, nature and where their food comes from.
“They will reconnect young and old about how their food is produced and hopefully bust a few myths and misconceptions about the industry along the way.
“Since the first event in 2006, thousands of regional farmers and those across the UK have opened their gates and welcomed millions of people on to their farms for one Sunday each year.
“Our members are keen to continue to build community connections and raise awareness of all they do to maintain the countryside, enhance the environment and produce food.
“The farming stage – our wonderful countryside, which has been shaped by agriculture - is the perfect venue to safely welcome visitors.”
Georgie Hyde, NFU Midlands environment and land use adviser