In June 2011 - you can visit a local farm!
Open Farm Sunday is an annual event that gives everyone the opportunity to meet the farmers who grow their food and care for the countryside. Organised by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), it benefits from generous cross-industry support.
In Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, Open Farm Sunday is coordinated by Andy Guy on 07738 121883. In Yorkshire the coordinator is Tamara Hall on 07909 90523.
The list of farms for Open Farm Sunday 2011 isn't available yet - but to give you an idea of what's in your area, you can search for farms that took part on Sunday 13 June 2010. Start by clicking on your county:
Derbyshire
Bassett Wood Farm Tissington Ashbourne, DE6 1RD
01335 350254
F H Sargent & Son Baldfields Farm, Ashe Lane, Etwall, Derby DE65 6HT
11am-4pm * 01283 732434
We have a nature trail, hawks on display, see the machinary and farm animals, 12.30 guided walk with the services of a Natural England officer, bees and hives. Mini market/sales and possibly cooking demo refreshments.
Please wear suitable footwear and clothing. To help give us an idea of numbers, please e-mail or telephone 01283 732434 if you are planning to come.
Standleys Barn Farm Ticknall, Derby DE73 7GZ
11am-4pm * 01332 862762
See the farm animals, sheep, pigs, cows with calves and chickens. See the farm machinery. Watch a vintage tractor ploughing match. Farm walks/nature trails. Visit our farm butchery selling home produced meat. Refreshments - homemade burgers and hotdogs.
To help give us an idea of numbers if you are planning to come please email us or call 01332 862762
Leicestershire
Allerton Project Hall Farm, Loddington, East Norton, Leicestershire LE7 9XE
11am until 4pm * free entry * 01572 717220 * just north of East Norton on the A47
See the world's biggest bird feeder, Sheep, Chickens, Combines and Tractors. Teas and Refreshments. Barbecue. Scavenger Hunt. Can you identify 10 bird food crops? This event is combined with the Loddington Village Fete, with fun and games for all the family.
Please remember - appropriate footwear and a hat if it's sunny.
Gaulby Lodge Farm Kings Norton, Leicestershire LE7 9BF
11am until 4.30pm * 07801 027605 * on the Kings Norton to Illston on the Hill road, follow the signs
Activities - Sheep shearing, dairy cows and baby calves, pet lambs, visit the milking parlour, tractor and machinery demonstrations in the afternoon, plenty for children and families to see and do all day. Teas and refreshments available, hog roast from 1pm, or why not have a picnic in the fields?
Booking is not required to come to our farm on Open Farm Sunday but if there is anything you would like to know please give me, Andrew, a call on 07801 027605.
Gorse Hill City Farm Anstey Lane, Leicester LE4 0FJ
0116 253 7582
Hill Farm Spring Lane, Packington, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1WU
10am-5pm * 01530 564436 * entrance to the farm is off the road between the villages of Packington and Normanton le Heath
Activities - forest walks and talks, bird spotting, craft activities, children's play area, see farm animals including bison, deer, alpacas, and mangalitza pigs. See bygone farm machinery and tools alongside present day equipment. Refreshments available all day (a small charge will apply).
Little Markfield Farm Little Markfield Farm, Forest Road, Markfield, Leics LE67 9UN
10.30am to 5.30pm * 01530 242173 or 07774 047571* on Forest Road just as you are going out of the village towards Stanton under Bardon
Activities - Walk around the farm to see the cattle, sheep, pigs & chickens (some are Rare Breeds), hot dogs & beef burgers using farm produce, home made cake & pies, vintage and modern farm machinery and crafts.Seed planting & much more.
Please wear appropriate footwear for a farm walk and sun hats if the sun is out!
Manor Farm Main Street, Catthorpe, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 6DB
11am-4pm * 01788 869002
There will be lots of tractors and machinery on show, bouncy castle, face painting, arts and crafts, seed planting, competitions, farm tours, quizzes, ducks, hens, quails, dogs, horses, BBQ, local wildlife stand, 'what's produced on the farm' stand, local produce, product tastings, roast lunches and lots more. All indoors if it's wet!!
Pasture Farm Pasture Farm, Gonerby Lane, Allington, Grantham, Leics NG32 2DU
11am-4pm * 01476 560340 * just off the A1 opposite Arena UK equestrian centre
Activities - tractor rides, modern and vintage machinery, wild flower meadows, sheep shearing, beef cattle, ewes and lambs, calves... and much more.
Please wear appropriate footwear for a farm walk and sun hats if the sun is out!
Stanford Hall Estate Oakcourt Offices Stanford Hall Ashby Road Stanford-on-Soar, Leics LE12 5QW
11am-4pm * 01509 857200 * off the A6006 on the Nottingham/Loughborough boarder with our entrance being clearly marked from this road
Nature trails, tractor rides, bird spotting, pond dipping, deer feeding, field archery and much more! There will also be local produce on sale.
Ensure appropriate footwear for a nature trail and sun hats if the sun is shining! To help give us an idea of numbers please contact Leanne on 01509 857200 if you plan to visit our farm.
Whetstone Pastures Fruit Farm Whetstone Gorse Lane, Whetstone, Leics LE8 6LX
10am-5pm * 0116 277 7627 * off A426 2 miles south of Blaby, just south of the Cosby/Countesthorpe crossroads
Farm walks, crops and countryside. Rare breeds, big tractors, children's craft action. Pizza and pudding making, local food. Play barn.... and cream teas with Sandra's jam! Probably delicious strawberries to pick! For more info ring 07971 403823. Please let us know if you are coming in a group.
Carrington Estates The Estate Office, Beeches Lane, Carrington, Boston, Lincs PE22 7JD
11am-4pm * 07866 540677 * 7 miles north of Boston
Attractions include: sheep, cattle horses, new and vintage machinery, tractor rides, tractor power tests, 'welly wanging', farmers market, BBQ, a raffle, free childrens goodie bags and many other activities!
Please wear suitable clothing for the weather, including suitable footwear for muddy paths.
For further information, including bringing large groups, please email us.
Grayingham Grange Farm Grayingham Grange Farm, Grayingham, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 4JD
Open from 11am * 01652 640308 * just off the A15 from Lincoln, follow the brown signs! * Free and plentiful parking, disabled facilties, childrens play area
Main Attractions TUG OF WAR...'help your health campaign'..Tractor and trailer rides..beer & food tent.. gardening zone... cookery demo's...bug hunt... vintage tractor display...farm walks...see our pigs and our new addition to the Henry Household and much, much more!
Clothing - depending on the weather wear appropriate clothing. Wellies advisable! But come and have a look around our Farm Shop if the weather is not on our side! No need to book...just come along & enjoy the day.
Hall Farm Stainton Le Vale, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire LN8 6HP
10am-4pm * 01472 398 367 * free entry * just off the B1225 Caistor High Street, please follow signs to the event
Bring your family and friends for a fantastic FREE day out of learning and fun. Come see and taste some of the wonderful food grown on the Lincolnshire Wolds and meet some of the local food producers and suppliers. There will be tractor and trailer rides, guided walks, old and modern machinery demonstrations including vintage tractors ploughing and sheep shearing will take place throughout the day as well as competitions for all ages. Come for the day, bring a picnic or refreshments will be available. No booking necessary. Car parking is FREE.
Home Farm Marsh Road, Holbeach, Hurn, Spalding, Lincs PE12 8JR
11am-4pm * 01406 490000 * free admission
Activities - See ewes, lambs and cattle, sheep shearing, large agricultural machinery, vintage tractors, farm quiz. View large commercial farms working with the environment. Refreshments available, but bring a picnic if you want!
No booking necessary.
K T Godson and Sons Hall Farm, Asgarby, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 9QD
01529 302437 * follow signs off A17 about 3 miles from Sleaford
Free of charge event activities to include tractor and trailer rides, farm walk, farm machinery displays, farm animals, crop displays and competitions.
Please wear appropriate footwear.
Bottom Farm Brook Street, Hargrave, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN9 6BP
Open from 11am to 3pm * free admission * 01933 622809 * follow signs to Bottom Farm!
We will have farm walks, machinery and animals on display. Come and see how we grow our crops and what we use them for. More information on other activities to follow later.
Whilst numbers are not strictly limited, if you are coming as a family or group, please telephone 01933 622809 or email to give us an idea of how many people to expect for the day.
Glebe Organic Farm Woodford, Thrapston, Northamptonshire NN14 4ES
Open from 11am to 3pm * 01536 722138
Meadow Farm Bliss Lane, Flore, Northampton NN7 4LJ
10am-5pm * 01327 340348
There will be lots of animals to see: cows, calves, lambs, goats, kids, ducks, hens and chicks. Look at the different types of machinery and equipment that is used on the farm. Walk across the meadows and follow the River Nene footpath to see the cows. There is a tearoom, farm shop and plant nursery on site. Wood turning demonstration.
Newbottle Estate Farms Forceleap Farm, Brackley, Northants NN13 5PJ
12noon - 4pm * 01295 811065 * head from Charlton towards the village of Farthinghoe. On exiting the village take the first right at the crossroads (sign for Forceleap Farm) carry on down the single track road until you see some signs for parking.
Tractor rides * refreshments * machinery * animals * donkey rides tbc.
Radmore Farm Radmore Farm, Northampton Road, Litchborough, Northants NN12 8HR
11am-4pm * 07853 171625 * Free Entry * turn off the A5 at the Isuzu garage towards Litchborough.We are situated on the left 100 yards after the small bridge
Activities include - Farm tours, see the farm animals and machinery, country walks, sausage making demonstration, farm shop, welly wanging competition... and much more!
Please wear appropriate footwear for farm and country walks.
Beauvale Abbey Farm New Road, Newthorpe, Nottingham NG16 2AA
01773 710682
T W Brown and Son Fairchilds Lodge, Lyddington Road, Caldecott, Rutland LE16 8TE
10am-4pm * 07801 057417 * on the B672 1/2-mile out of Caldecott towards Lyddington on the right hand side
There will be a short talk followed by a circular walk of about 3/4 of an hour, where we will see historic landscapes and some of the measures we have put in place to help the flora and fauna of the area. To book a place either ring 07801 057417 or email us.
Northfield Farm Northfield Farm Ltd, Whissendine Lane, Cold Overton, near Oakham, Rutland LE15 7QF
10am-4pm * 01664 474271 * half a mile from the A606 half way between Oakham & Melton Mowbray, well signposted
Activities - farm walk, tractor rides, machinery and loads of rare breed animals to see + pets corner! Plentiful food and drink available. Full farm shop and butchery too.
Woodborough Park Farm Woodborough, Nottingham NG14 6EL
10am and 2.30pm starts for farm walks * 0115 965 4748
Two farm 'walks'. The first walk will start at 10.00am and the second at 2.30pm. Both walks will start at the top of Georges Lane, Calverton, in the car park area at the end of the Spindle Lane bridleway; extra car parking space will be available if required.
Both 'walks' will be completely informal and take up to two and a half hours depending on the number of questions asked! We will be looking at and discussing examples of the crops grown on the farm, (wheat, barley and oilseed rape), together with a broader insight into what we are endeavouring to achieve on the farm generally with regard to our care for the environment, wildlife and countryside; over the last six years, over 35,000 trees and hedging plants have been planted.
This year we are hiring a passenger-carrying trailer so that folk can be driven around the farm in comfort! However, please dress appropriately, with wellies if wet. Because space on the trailer is limited, we would be grateful if you could ring and book your place (0115 965 4748) as numbers on the trailer are limited.
If anyone is unable to visit on the day, we are always happy to arrange an alternative visit, walk or talk for any group of people that may be interested, however small.
Agricola Newlands Farm, Shipton Lane, Wigginton, York YO3 2RQ
01904 470596
Beadlam Grange Beadlam, North Yorks YO62 7TD
10.30am-4pm * some activites will be charged for to cover costs, trailer ride costs will go to a nominated charity on the day * 01439 770303 * 2 miles east of Helmsley on the right hand side of the A170
Tractor / trailer rides through the fields to see cows and calves, ponds, different crops growing & visit to the Roman Villa. Go-kart track, quad bike handling, farmshop & food etc.
Please bring suitable clothing in case of rain, parents MUST keep control of wild children! It would help if you could email us or call 01439 770303 with numbers to help with catering, or visit our website.
Carlshead Farms Paddock House Lane, Sicklinghall, Wetherby, LS22 4BJ
11am-3pm * 01937 582421
Farm walk, nature trail and willow walk, guided tours on the hour, also unguided walk. See the pigs, horses sheep and cows. Pond dipping, bushcraft and green woodworking demonstrations.
Please bring appropriate footwear and clothing for a farm walk. Please leave dogs at home, the livestock won't appreciate them! To help give us an idea of numbers, please email us, text or telephone 07930 991454.
Coppice House Farm Coppice House Farm Shop, Rivelin Valley Road, Rivelin, Sheffield S6 5SG
10am-3pm * 07891 062649 * FREE all day!
Activities include: farm walks, nature trails, pony rides, sheep shearing demonstrations, a barbecue with meat from our own and neighbouring farms and husbandry demonstrations with our herd of rare breed Dun Galloway cattle. Chance for you and your children to meet all our animals including pigs, cows and calves, horses, sheep and lambs (including the famous Dottie the lamb!)
Feel free to bring a picnic with you to enjoy in one of our fields or you can purchase some delicious pies, quiches and cheeses from our shop or sausages and burgers from the BBQ!!
Denys Farm The Pavilion Leisure Centre, Station Road, Withernsea HU19 2QA
01964 614361
There will be lots of fun things to do and activities to take part in to include seed planting, adventure play and sporting activities. Refreshments will be available. No need to book - just turn up.
Green Top Farm Holylandswaine, Sheffield S36 7JS
01226 765551
Dry stone walling demonstration site * isitors will be able to take part in practical activities * guided walk at 1pm showing all the conservation, restoration and stewardship projects we are involved in * refreshments will be served
Please indicate if you would like to take part in the guided walk at 1pm.
Heeley City Farm Richards Road, Sheffield S2 3DT
9am-5pm * 0114 2580 482 * free admission
Heeley City Farm is open every day of the year, including Farm Sunday, from 9am to 5pm. We are a small city farm near the city centre of Sheffield, served by good bus routes. See our farm animals: calves, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry etc. and their young and our small animal house with rabbits, guinea pigs, snakes, degus and much more. Visit our vegetarian café and peat-free garden centre or walk around the vegetable, fruit, herb and wildlife gardens. Our website has more information and how to reach us.
10am-4pm * 0113 264 2610 * Normal farm charges apply - please check our website for further details
Incorporating rare breeds day as well, lots of animals on view. Displays & demonstrations throughout the day such as butter making, spinning & blacksmithing. Also sheep shearing if the weather permits. No need to book, just come along on the day.
Low Penhowe Burythorpe, Maltron YO17 9LU
01653 658 336 * located between Burythope and Westow and 25 minutes of York
"Hello to Happy Highlands" - Come and see our Highland Cattle. "Feed the Chickens" - Come and feed the chickens and maybe collect the eggs! We are open all day. It might be better to give us a quick call on 01653 658 336 to let us know you are on the way!
Molescroft Grange Farm Hull Bridge Road, Beverley HU17 9RS
01482 882596 * FREE!
Wildlife walks through the day, bug hunts, a beehive demonstration, farm machinery walk & talk, separate farm walks marked out for you to do at your own leisure. Picnic area & play area for children. Tea, coffee & biscuits available! Please come & have a look at how we farm & how we look after the wildlife around Beverley.All ages welcome. Well behaved dogs welcome on leads & doggie-do bags used please! Feel free to bring packed lunches to eat in the hay field or classroom. Experts from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust on hand to answer all your wildlife questions.
Please wear suitable clothing & footwear depending on the weather. Call if you need more information. Disabled access.
Newdene Rare Breeds Farm & Small Animal Rescue Newsholme Manor, Slack Lane, Oakworth, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD22 0RQ
11am-4pm * 01535 642964 or 07870 436424 * in the grounds of Newsholme Manor Restaurant
Activities: Meet the rare breed animals, treasure hunt, childrens activity book, small animal handling, face painting, helium balloons, mini farmers market... and lots more. The restaurant will be serving food (booking advisable) as well as hosting a BBQ stocked with a variety of local produce.
Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing - it might rain!
Manor Farm New House Farm, Smearbottoms Lane, Malham Moor, Settle BD23 4DN
11am-3.30pm * 01729 830416 * free entry * no dogs
Come and experience life at Manor Farm SD 942792 an upland hill farm in Upper Wharfedale, as part of Open Farm Sunday and the National Trust's Food Glorious Food campaign. See the sheep and cows on the farm, demonstrations and some of the machinery used on a daily basis. There will also be guided walks and activities for children.
Oakwell Hall and Country Park Nutter Lane, Birstall WF17 9LG
01924 326240
A walk from Oakwell Hall to the local farm to look at and feed the animals. Bookable event.
Pepper Pot Farm Whitehilll Road, Slack Lane, Oakworth, Keighley BD22 0QH
11am-4pm * 07739 802015
Farm tour, feeding animals, small animal handling, ferret walking, nature trail, pond dipping, bug hunting, grow your own... and lots more. If the weather is fine feel free to bring a picnic.
Please wear clothes appropriate to the weather: sun hats if the sun shines and rain hats if it doesn't and sturdy, waterproof footwear for field walking. We'll have fun whatever the weather! Light refreshments available. As car parking space is limited and to give us an idea of numbers please either email us or telephone 07739 802015 to let us know you're planning to visit us.
Prism City Farm c/o Prism Youth Project, Walker Drive, Bradford BD8 9EZ
01274 543500
A community consultation event helping to raise awareness of the farm and to encourage and empower young people and members of the community to grow, use, consume and market their own food all from the farm site. The project aims to educate young people on the benefits of an healthier diet leading on to a healthier lifestyle useing the farm as a live case study.
Riverford on Home Farm Home Farm, Newby Wiske, Northallerton DL7 9HB
2pm-4pm * 0845 600 2311
Come and visit our organic farm in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. We're having a farm walk, finishing off with a pack house tour and a refreshing drink. The walk will start at 2pm and will finish up around 4pm.
To give us an idea of numbers please book by e-mail or call 01609 777333 quoting Open Farm Sunday.
Slater Organics The Walled Garden, Rise, Nr Skirlaugh HU11 5BL
10,30am-3pm * 01964 527519 * take the A165 to Skirlaugh, then take the road signposted Rise at the mini-roundabout. Follow the road out of the village for about 2 miles, and take the 2nd road on the left signposted Rise, then follow the signs for Slater Organics
Slater Organics is a family business committed to the growing of organic vegetables and salads at the Walled Garden, Rise. All our produce is sold locally through box schemes and farm gate sales. The wonderful growing conditions inside the walls, coupled with the tranquil surroundings, make for a gardener's paradise. Come along and experience the largest working organic walled garden in the area. Guided walks will be provided, or feel free to explore for yourself; our workers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Please bear in mind that the garden is part of a working farm, and due care should be taken around the machinery.
Stockbridge Technology Centre Stockbridge House, Cawood, Selby YO8 3UJ
12noon-4pm * 01757 268175 * All activities and parking free * Stockbridge House, 1 mile out of Cawood on the B1222, Near Selby, YO8 3TZ
Lots of refreshments. Stockbridge craft activites and Yorkhire Wildlife Trust activities. Pond Dipping. Farm tours. Mini farmer's market.
The Pink Pig Farm Holme Hall, Holme, Scunthorpe DN16 3RE
10am-4pm * 01724 844466 * Plant fair and garden walk free, £3.50 entry for family farm trail * take Junction 4 off the M180, towards Scunthorpe, and follow signs for 'Holme'.
Plant fair... grasses to herbs, perennials to bedding plants... walk to see our new community garden & chat to the experts... lots of tasters in our farm shop and hold a guinea pig, feed the pigs, take a trailer ride, slide on the zip wire and splash in the water play.
No need to book, just turn up with suitable clothing and lots of questions!
The Pizza Farm @ Youlton Lodge Youlton lodge, Tollerton, York YO61 1QJ
10am-3pm * 01347 838562
Families all welcome. Experience the countryside. Nature walks, pond dipping, Mini Beast hunting, pigs, sheep and chickens. See farm machinery, biomass energy crops. Pizza wheel: how our food is produced from field to fork. Refreshments: freshly made pizza available for lunch made here on the farm and cooked in our traditinal wood fired pizza oven.
Please wear outdoor clothing and walking boots or wellies. You are welcome to attend the day but it would be great if you could let us know you are coming in advance then you won't be disappointed if we run out of Pizza! An email or phone call would be great to let us know how many are in your party.
West End Farm Harpham Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 4QZ
Gates open 2pm * 01262 490355 * Entrance is free but donations welcome for the local church and Multiple Sclerosis Society * Food, drinks etc charges applied by individual stallholders * Signposted from the main Driffield to Bridlington road in the village of Harpham
Come and see where your milk comes from - St Quintin's Creamery offers calf to milk bottle all on one site. Stalls offering local produce plus other promotions by local businesses. Farm walks to a Site of Specific Scientific Interest led by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Bar, tea & coffee. Hog Roast. Music provided. See farm animals and machinery.
Wear appropriate footwear for walking.
Compiled with permission from the Open Farm Sunday website where you can search for participating farms by region, anywhere in the UK.
Fiona Cowan
24 July 2010