Latest news with #AnnabelShackleton
Business News Wales
12-06-2025
- General
- Business News Wales
Open Farm Sunday 2025 Sees Surge in Host Farms
Open Farm Sunday, the nation's flagship annual event celebrating British farming, has seen a surge in host farms taking part this year, with 270 events taking place across Wales, England and Scotland – a 20% increase on last year. Managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) since it began in 2006, the day welcomed an estimated 200,000 visitors, helping them to develop deeper connections with the land, food, and the farmers who produce it. Open Farm Sunday manager Annabel Shackleton emphasised how these results illustrate the power of the farming community to engage, educate, and inspire the public in a powerful way while driving real changes in attitudes. 'Open Farm Sunday not only celebrates the UK's farming heritage, it also develops greater connections between people and where their food comes from,' said Annabel. 'Hundreds of events across the UK have showcased how farmers are working in harmony with nature and encouraged open discussions that address vital issues, including climate change, sustainability, food security, and youth engagement with agriculture.' New research from LEAF reveals a strong appetite among young people to learn more about the sector with 46% of Gen Z say they would consider a career in farming. While only one in five currently see farming as essential to tackling climate change, this highlights an opportunity to bridge the knowledge gap and align farming's role with the values Gen Z cares about most, LEAF said. Widespread broadcast and print coverage were secured including an Open Farm Sunday main storyline on BBC Radio 4's The Archers programme, TV coverage on BBC Breakfast and regional channels, and a series of radio interviews syndicated to over 100 stations, reaching an audience of tens of millions.
BBC News
07-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Hundreds of farmers to open gates for Open Farm Sunday
Hundreds of farmers will open their gates this weekend as part of an event designed to showcase the world of farming to the wider public. Open Farm Sunday is organised by Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF), a charity that promotes more sustainable farming to create a resilient food system for future its 19th year approaches, those in the industry say they feel there is a "disconnect between people and food".Annabel Shackleton, LEAF's Open Farm Sunday manager, said the event was all about "breaking down barriers, challenging outdated perceptions, and showing everyone just how innovative, diverse and forward-looking farming really is". David Jones, project manager at The Woodlands Farm Trust in Welling, said the open day shows "how farming plays a part in sustainable living".He said: "There was some recent research about how disconnected young people were with agriculture so I think it's important that they have the opportunity to come out and see for themselves what happens on a day-to-day basis on the farm." This research, based on a survey of 2,019 respondents, found that just one in five people believe farming is essential to tackling climate were also some interesting findings among the Gen Z demographic 90% of those adults agree that farming is relevant to their lives, 37% of this group believe you have to be born into a farming family to work in the industry - a belief that is considered works at Chandler and Dunn farm in Canterbury in Kent, which has been run by his family for over 200 said: "I have a real enjoyment when the public come on to the farm and connect with nature and embrace the countryside."He added it was a "real privilege to share farm with local community". Charlie hopes the open day will inspire the next generation of added: "We have a family farm here and are keen to have youngsters who want to learn."It's a free day with tractor and trailer rides."Any food and drink and profits raised will go to the local charity Scope."
South Wales Argus
08-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Farmers urged to join in with Open Farm Sunday 2025
The event organiser LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) called on farmers not to miss out on the annual flagship initiative this year. Open Farm Sunday manager Annabel Shackleton said: "Inviting people on farm, no matter how few or how many, is a surefire way to help put public perception of farming on the right track. "We know we can influence consumer attitudes – survey data from last year's Open Farm Sunday shows that 87 per cent of visitors left with greater trust in British farming, and 91 per cent felt motivated to buy more British produce as a result. "By hosting Open Farm Sunday, you can turn that key and cultivate stronger community connections that promote farming's commitment to a more sustainable approach while driving demand for produce grown and reared in the UK." Visit the Open Farm Sunday website for further information.
