Open Farm Sunday is farming’s national open day. It is a brilliant opportunity for farmers to share their stories and showcase British farming and food. Our Food Link Manager, Myrtle, is working with Dartington Hall Estate to help showcase some of the food growing on the estate, and invites you to come and explore four of the unique and diverse farms and community food growing projects on the Dartington Estate, between 10am-5pm on Sunday June 5th.
She has also put together a fantastic farm treasure trail. The route is up to you, but throughout the day you’ll be able to use your treasure map to ... visit Old Parsonage Farm to meet the dairy goats and cows ... head over to School Farm - one of the UK’s only no-dig Community Supported Agriculture Schemes - to see what’s growing, ready for their veg boxes, and how they can help you with organic gardening courses ... drop into Foxhole Community Garden to discover more about the wonderful wild plants in our native hedgerows and farmland, visit the wildflower pond and find out more about edible wild plants and biodiversity ... meander up the hill, through the woods, to Huxhams Cross Biodynamic Farm to see the fascinating new agroforestry fruit and nut trees planted this year, hear a little bit about their permaculture approach and visit the chickens who will be settling into their new orchard home.
There’ll be local food and drink available on the day, including a BBQ. The event is free, although there is a charge for parking, and potentially for some of the activities. Booking is not required.
Tour Timetable:
10am School Farm, Huxhams Cross Biodynamic Farm
11am Grow Wild, Huxhams Cross *
12noon Huxhams Cross Farm tour **
12noon School Farm
2.30pm Old Parsonage Farm
3pm Goat milking at Old Parsonage
* The Apricot Centre is partnering with Kew Gardens to offer growing sessions for young people. Help to plant and maintain Grow Wild ‘bubbles’; areas of native species and wildflowers that integrate into the overall farm, part of a future ‘Children’s trail.’
** Join Marina for a tour of the farm, soft fruit, orchard, bees and Agro-forestry plantations.
Email myrtle at transitiontowntotnes.org for more information.