Open Farm Sunday is coming up on Sunday 7th June 2015 and we were invited to a preview, so that we could tell you all about Open Farm Sunday and why you and your families should join in the fun.
We spent the day at Elm Tree Farm on Sunday 17th May 2015. It is a private farm that is not normally open to the public and focuses on special needs projects; however there are LOTS of activities on Open Farm Sunday and the public are welcome from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday 7th June.
The farm, located on Park Road in Stapleton
BS16 1AA next to the cricket ground, will be open to visitors from 11am-4pm. There is parking on-site and entry is free as part of the national Open Farm Sunday scheme.For more information, contact keily.elvin@brandontrust.org or phone the farm on 0117 958 6206.
The first thing we did was visit the chickens. Aaron spent what felt like ages feeding them grass. They're also hand fed corn, and their delicious free range eggs are sold to locals. The lovely lady who showed us around had to keep turning the electric fence off each time Aaron went back to the chickens again and again. It is there to deter foxes. It didn't deter this fox though LOL and thankfully the fence was off at this point and neither Aaron nor the chickens were hurt. It's only now I can see the funny side:
Clearly Aaron needs to be a little less free range. Although to be fair he is not normally this clumsy.
Aaron was rather taken with the farm cat. As you can see below, the chickens yield a decent amount of eggs.
We spent a good couple of hours exploring the farm with our personal tour guide and we were made very welcome. I can imagine the farm will be so exciting Sunday 7th June, as they have many plans to make it a wonderful day.
We loved looking at the newborn lambs:
Thankfully there was another boy there exploring the farm, and he and Aaron went everywhere together, which was wonderful to see. Also meant he stayed interested and wasn't bored just with us adults.
What I LOVE about Elm Tree Farm is it is a functioning farm, not just laid on for visitors. It has a very warm authentic feel, which I think you'd love if you visit:
My Aaron who was fox for the day, chased these ducks around until we told him off (you'd be forgiven for thinking they are geese - they're not). Before we stopped him doing it, it was so interesting to see how the ducks would chat about Aaron and stare at him. Felt like I was in a story book:
The ducks continue to keep a beady eye on Aaron:
I have LOTS and LOTS of footage of our day at the farm, and desperately need to edit it into a montage or vlog but just haven't had chance yet. REALLY must do that this weekend.
Aaron was so happy after his visit to the farm. Very at peace too. Time in nature is great:
Where: Elm Tree Farm,
Stapleton, Bristol BS16 1AA
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Contact: keily.elvin@brandontrust.org
Activities: Take a walk around the farm to see the animals, make a model out of vegetables or maybe create your own bug hotel and more! There will be a pig roast and other refreshments, a plant and produce sale and our friendly team will be there to answer all of your questions.
I have copied the above from their poster, but from talking to them on Sunday 17th May 2015 I know that they have a LOT more than that planned, like for example they have a foal, and on the day you get to compete to name him. If your name is chosen you win a FAB prize.
You can follow: Open Farm Sunday on Twitter
or on Facebook: Open Farm Sunday on Facebook
or get more information here: Open Farm Sunday 2015
Tonight at midnight I am going to hook this blog post up with #CountryKids
Open Farm Sunday is such a great idea. Sadly not that many farms round here take part although we do have one about 30 mins away that looks like it has lots of good stuff on this year including tractor rides which Roo is very excited about! Looks like Aaron had a blast - glad he didn't get got by the electric fence. Those things terrify me after I got shocked a few times as a child!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful for the smaller farms to open up. Makes such a difference for children (and adults) to see what goes in to food production. We are surrounded by farms. I'll have to check to see if any of our local ones are opening. #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteOpen Farm sunday is a great initiative, I love the way Arron has thrown himself into all the activities and enjoyed finding out about the animals and nature. I hope this post will make many aware of the farms taking part around the country. thank you for joining me for Country Kids.
ReplyDeleteLooks like Aaron had a great time. That video with the fence did make me laugh. Oops!
ReplyDeleteWe never get to Open Farm Sunday, although there is a farm near us that usually opens for it. We don't really need to anyway, as it's a bit of a busman's holiday, but we do like to nosy round what others get up to. It's a great initiative to really get kids and their parents talking about and understanding where food comes from.
Awww what a lovely place! I wish we can go to something like this. The vibe in this place is so intimate which is what I like when visiting farms! #countrykids
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so much fun - I hadn't come across Open Farm but what a lovely idea. #countrykids
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant place for locals - wish we were nearer X
ReplyDeleteHi. I'm planning to grow veggies on my rooftop. I want to ask u some questions. Can I grow them by making a soil bed on rooftop or using a pot is a must? waysaving says you must grow. Also what should i do in summers when the heat is scorching. Now I'm ready to grow my basic veggies. You've explained it so well. I've learned so much from you.
ReplyDelete