Hopes Ash Farms at Hope Mansell near Ross-on-Wye will be joining hundreds of other farms across the country taking part in farming’s national open day and opening their gates to visitors for Open Farm Sunday on June 5th.

Now in its eleventh year, this annual event organised by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) is a great day out for the whole family and a unique opportunity to discover the world of farming.

Hopes Ash Farm will be open from 10.30am until 4.30pm. The event is free and during your visit you will be able to watch the cows being milked by robots, see lots of other animals and watch a sheep shearing demonstration. You can also work up an appetite on the farm trail through some of the farm’s conservation areas before enjoying homemade cakes or a home reared hot beef roll. Younger visitors can also enjoy the play barn with bale climbing frame, grain play pit, craft table and face painting.

Robert Davies from Hopes Ash Farms: “There is a lot to discover about the world of farming – so do come and join us on Open Farm Sunday and find out more. Everybody at Hopes Ash Farm are really looking forward to welcoming everyone and showing them around our farm.”

Annabel Shackleton, Open Farm Sunday manager said: “Open Farm Sunday showcases all types of farming and offers an informative and enjoyable day out for everyone, young and old alike. It is vital that we all support our farmers and understand more about the work they do.

“You may not realise it but our lives depend on the diverse products farmers grow. For example, did you know that farmers grow crops for generating heat and power, cosmetics, perfume and even medicine, as well as producing wool for clothing and fibre for insulation and building materials? And of course, don’t forget that the majority of the nutritious and delicious food we enjoy each day has been grown or produced on British farms – ranging from meat and dairy products, to fruit and vegetables, cereals, eggs and oil.”

To find out more about LEAF and Open Farm Sunday call 02476 413911 or visit www.leafuk.org or www.farmsunday.org.