250 - 400 visitors

Taking the leap

We often spoke about getting involved in Open Farm Sunday pre-pandemic but always talked ourselves out of it. In 2021 we took the leap and signed up so we could share our passion for what we do.

The event has not only allowed us to give back to the community, welcoming them onto our farm, free of charge, for a fun family day out, but it has given us the opportunity to tell the full Christmas tree story. Christmas trees are a unique crop, requiring specialist care 12 months of the year, something they may never think much about.

Farm to festive

We have a 700 -acre arable enterprise, run across owned, contracted and rented land, growing predominantly spring barley and oilseed rape. Although this would perhaps seem like the most obvious area to open for a LEAF event, we decided instead to focus on Christmas trees which would offer something a little different in terms of a farming story.

We’ve planted two hectares of Nordmann Fir and Spruce trees and work alongside several other local Christmas tree growers to provide high-quality trees with low carbon footprint to members of the public through our festive seasonal shop on farm, as well as supplying commercial and business outlets.

Help is at hand

I think one of the biggest determinants for farmers not signing up to Open Farm Sunday is the worry of being unprepared for members of the public coming on to their farm and thinking that there will be nothing of interest to show, but remember what is every day to us, is new and fascinating to them.

You are in the driving seat and the event can be as big, small, complicated, or simple as you want it to be. The team at LEAF and all the resources they provide really are fantastic – the risk assessments, signage and TryBooking, the free ticketing system, made preparation for us less stressful, especially last year when the pandemic meant more restrictions. We were still able to welcome 350 visitors and had full control of who was attending and could contact them with updates or if there had been any change of plan.

Reduce the workload

Our first event was a real team effort and that is something we will continue with going forward. We decided what was going where, but local businesses came along and helped – whether it was taking their own equipment and stands or overseeing a stand or activity we created.

Each organisation played their role in making the day interesting and informative for visitors, from the tractor dealership representatives talking about equipment used with the growing of Christmas trees, to the local heritage society displaying antique farming equipment from the past.

Other activities included a vintage tractor display and run round the plantation and a scavenger hunt, tasking visitors with finding objects beginning with each letter of the alphabet.

Each activity wasn’t complicated and didn’t take long to plan or set up. So, for any farmer out there thinking of getting involved but sitting on the fence, don’t have any doubts – just do it!

We can’t wait to welcome visitors back this June and continue to help promote our industry through Open Farm Sunday.

Keen to take part and host an event this year? Register your event here.

Questions? Contact the Open Farm Sunday team: OpenFarmSunday@leaf.eco or phone 07912 463151