Latest news with #OpenFarmSunday
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.
Press and Journal
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
41 best pictures and a video from Aberdeenshire farm open day
More than 1,000 people enjoyed a day at Kirkton Farm, near Kinellar, Aberdeenshire, as part of the UK-wide Open Farm Sunday (OFS) event. Joining the OFS initiative marked a first for farmer Scott Campbell and his team. It was a huge success. Visitors enjoyed tractor and trailer tours, stopping along the way to watch a sheepdog demonstration, see the animals, and identify different cereal and vegetable crops. Meanwhile, the machinery shed had a display of tractors from through-the-ages. Youngsters were also able to enjoy hands-on play in a giant sandpit. Hot meals and refreshments from Marshalls Farm Shop were available throughout the day. Lois Campbell, Scott's sister, said: 'What a fabulous day we had for our first Open Farm Sunday event. 'We clicked in over 1,000 visitors on what turned out to be a day without rain or wind – we even had some sun.' The Campbell family captured the best moments for us.
Daily Mirror
07-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
190,000 warned they could fall ill on Sunday following multiple outbreaks
Mass events on Sunday could see people fall ill unless they take precautions, the UKHSA has warned People planning on attending events this weekend have been warned to avoid a nasty parasitic infection that causes serious stomach upset - vomiting and diarrhoea. 190,000 people are expected to visit farms on Sunday for the UK's Open Farm Sunday event and the UKLHSA says there is a risk of infection. Hundreds of people have fallen ill with cryptosporidium after 17 outbreaks last year and another that saw dozens fall ill in Wales earlier this year. Crypto causes painful stomach cramps as well as vomiting and diarrhoea, and is spread through contact with animals or by touching surfaces that have animal faeces on them. Everyone is at risk, but the bug is particularly bad for pregnant women, young people, the elderly and anyone who is already ill with a suppressed immune system. Public Health Wales say 89 people have so far fallen ill in one outbreak - linked to visiting Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan . The BBC says Emily Fryer's six-year-old son Isaac was hospitalised after falling ill following a visit to a farm in Worcestershire last year. She said: "He didn't eat or drink for about five days. He just slept all the time. His sugars were dangerously low and they admitted him. Obviously, I was really worried then. Because he is autistic and non-verbal, we didn't really know how we could help him." According to the BBC, o n one farm in Wales, linked to a number of outbreaks, inspectors found sick animals kept on display and a lack of handwashing facilities, risk assessments and staff training. Another farm failed to implement recommendations from a previous inspection, which led to another outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, while third farm, due to host a school visit a few days after inspection, was found to be failing. Both Public Health Wales and the UK Health Security Agency have warned the estimated 190,000 visitors who will be visiting the 250 farms taking part in Open Farm Sunday this weekend to make sure they take basic hygiene measures - including thoroughly washing hands . Jo Hatton, an education specialist for organisers of the open farm event LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming ), said: "We are supporting farmers to open their farms and with their risk assessments. We are on the phone with farmers checking in with them throughout the planning process and helping them to understand how to ensure that that visit goes smoothly and everyone goes home happy and healthy." The National Farmers' Union (NFU) said that the health and safety of farm visitors was "taken extremely seriously". To keep yourself safe from Cryptosporidium during a farm visit in the UK, follow these key precautions: 1. Hand Hygiene Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after: Touching animals or their surroundings Handling boots, clothing, or equipment used on the farm Before eating, drinking, or smoking After using the toilet Avoid using alcohol-based hand sanitisers alone – they are not effective against Cryptosporidium. 2. Avoid Hand-to-Mouth Contact Do not eat, drink, smoke, or put fingers in your mouth while on the farm, especially in animal areas. 3. Supervise Children Closely Ensure young children are kept under close watch. Help them wash their hands properly, especially after touching animals or equipment and before eating. 4. Use Designated Eating Areas Only eat and drink in areas specifically set aside for food, away from animal contact zones. 5. Wear Appropriate Clothing Wear waterproof boots and clothes suitable for a farm environment. Remove and clean clothing and footwear after the visit to avoid bringing contamination home. 6. Stay Clear of Sick Animals Avoid touching any animals that appear unwell, as they may be more likely to carry the parasite. 7. Report Illness If you or a family member develops diarrhoea within a few days after visiting a farm, especially if it persists, seek medical advice and mention the farm visit.
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."
Rhyl Journal
07-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Vale of Clwyd MS praises 'life-changing' Rhyl organisation
Vale of Clwyd MS Gareth Davies has described the work of RCS (Rhyl City Strategy) as 'incredible and life-changing' following a recent visit to the organisation's site in Rhyl. During his visit, Mr Davies met with chief executive Ali Thomas to hear how the not-for-profit group is helping people overcome barriers to employment. Mr Davies said: "I was genuinely inspired by what I saw at RCS, which is exactly the kind of positive, people-first work we need more of in North Wales. "By supporting individuals with complex needs into meaningful employment and showing businesses how to become more inclusive, RCS is tackling the root causes of inequality in an intelligent and compassionate way. "I'd like to thank RCS for welcoming me, and I'd urge legislators to listen to organisations like RCS who understand our area and make a real difference to people's lives." He also praised RCS's efforts to raise employer awareness about the value of a diverse workforce, especially as opportunities grow in the green economy and renewable energy sectors. RCS, a community interest company with more than 18 years of experience, operates across Wales and focuses on breaking down the barriers between health and employment. The organisation supports individuals with long-term health conditions and helps employers build more inclusive workplaces. Its latest project, funded by a £3 million grant from the Dormant Assets Fund, aims to open pathways into green careers for underrepresented groups. This includes young people, individuals with disabilities or neurodiversity, and ethnic minority communities. RCS is working with partners in the area to deliver the scheme and ensure it brings lasting benefits. Mr Davies also welcomed the organisation's ongoing commitment to Rhyl, calling it a model of community-led transformation. READ MORE: Public Health Wales issue advice and warning ahead of Open Farm Sunday During his visit, he discussed broader priorities for Rhyl, including creating spaces for young people, the role of small businesses in regeneration, and shifting the town's narrative from decline to progress. He pledged to help ensure organisations like RCS have a greater voice in local decision-making, including through the Rhyl Town Board. RCS's work, he said, is helping to build a stronger, healthier economy where opportunity is inclusive and support is tailored to individual needs.
