30 May 2010 Discover the rural treats on Faringdon’s doorstep |
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When: Saturday 12 June On Saturday 12 June 2010, Wicklesham Lodge and Farm near Faringdon will be opening up to the public for an open farm day. The day kicks off a week of open farm days and EcoFarm tours taking place around Faringdon as part of the town’s EcoWeek 2010. “It’s a great opportunity to see and taste the countryside that lies on your doorstep, and discover what lies beyond the farm gate,” says Tom Allen-Stevens, who farms at Wicklesham. “From where your food comes from, to the nature that thrives in the undergrowth, there’s so much going on that farmers are keen to share.” Highlights of the event on Saturday 12 June at Wicklesham Farm will include farm walks – an opportunity to gain a real insight into the farm’s natural secrets – while there’ll be a chance to take the driving seat of tractors old and new, including a mighty combine harvester. Little Lodge, Oxfordshire’s smallest farm shop, will be open, serving delicious home-made cakes and foodies will be drawn to local delights roasting on the barbecue. There’ll be prizes for children who can crack the Wicklesham nature code, while Grundons is bringing along a huge rock from Wicklesham Quarry in one of its massive diggers and asking visitors to guess the weight. More Pennyhooks farm, near Shrivenham, will be opening for Open Farm Sunday, farming’s national annual open day that takes place on 13 June. There’ll be farm walks, pond-dipping and a chance to see the animals. Open Farm Sunday is a national event, organised by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), with around 400 farms around the UK opening up to their local communities. Other events during the week include: Entrance to the event at Wicklesham, as for most events, is free. Gates open on 12 June at 11:00am and farm walks take place every hour from 11:30. The gardens will be open, including the kitchen garden and pond. Dogs are also welcome, just so long as they’re under control! EcoFarms is part of Faringdon’s EcoWeek 2010. -ends- Notes to editors: To arrange an interview with Tom Allen-Stevens or to find out more about Wicklesham Farm, Little Lodge or Open Farm Sunday, call 07771 518475 or email tom@wickleshamlodge.com A number of high resolution pictures are available for publication here Faringdon’s ECOWEEK, from 12th-19th June, involves a raft of low carbon ECO-EVENTS for all ages and interests, covering waste, food, energy, environment, and sustainable living. Go to for more. LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) is a national charity that helps farmers produce good quality food with care for the environment, whilst working with their local community. www.leafuk.org The fifth annual Open Farm Sunday on 13 June provides the opportunity for the public to get a behind-the-scenes look at life on a farm and the nature it sustains. Oranised by LEAF and hundreds of farmers, typical on-farm activities include nature trails, talks, tastings and demonstrations Principle sponsors of Open Farm Sunday 2009 are: Asda, Defra, Farmers Weekly, Frontier, LEAF Marque, Morrisons, Love Food Hate Waste and Recycle Now, National Grid, Natural England, Waitrose and Warburtons For more information, call LEAF on 02476 413911 or Naomi Barry at the Open Farm Sunday press office – 01189 475956, naomi.barry@ceres-pr.co.uk |
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