Enjoy the countryside on Open Farm Sunday

12:00pm Saturday 10th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

PEOPLE in Bidford are being given the chance to explore the countryside and soak up the scenery when a nearby farm opens to the public.

Dunnington Court Farm will open its gates to all when it takes part in Open Farm Sunday 2008 on June 1.

The event, organised by Linking Environment and Farming, offers everyone, young and old, the chance to go back to basics and learn how vegetables are grown, discover what it means to be a farmer and taste the produce that comes from the land.

Over 500 farms around the country are expected to open to the public on the day. All proceeds from the Dunnington event will go to the County Air Ambulance.

Caroline Drummond, chief executive of LEAF, said: "There will be plenty of opportunities to take time to listen to the birds, soak up the scenery nutured by the farmer, experience the smells of the farmyard and really get in touch with the land that sustains us. It is a great chance to discover at first hand what it means to be a farmer and even taste the produce that comes from the land."

Activities happening on the day include tractor and trailer rides around the farm, a welly-wanging competition, a nature trail walk and barbecue. There will also be an opportunity to talk to the farmers and buy fresh vegetables straight from the field.

Sandsfield Farms Ltd, which operates its growing business from approximately 4,500 acres of land spread over a 25 mile radius of Bidford, grows crops such as salad onions, dwarf beans, runner beans and peas.

Managing director Derek Wilkinson said:"This is a great opportunity to get in touch and learn something more about the land around you and also more about the work farmers do and there role to protect the environment and the wildlife that live here."

The farm will be open from 11am - 3pm.