NORTH Wales farms are preparing to open their gates to entertain and educate the public as Open Farm Sunday returns this weekend.

 

 

The annual event on June 9 offers a chance to see how farmers grow food, care for livestock and manage the environment.

Farms across the region are offering guided tours, machinery demonstrations, animal experiences and wildlife discussions.

While many events are free, some have entrance or parking fees and some require booking. For full details see the Open Farm Sunday website.

Four farms in North Wales are opening their gates to visitors on Sunday.

They include, Berth Bach in Trefnant, one of the largest organic Arla dairy farms.

The farm will have on display live milking, calf feeding, all manner of dairy displays, sheep, goats and ducks. There will also be plenty of volunteers to explain every angle of “Farm to Fork”.

In addition, there will be a treasure hunt, farm machinery, and tractor and trailer rides to the river, where there will be an agronomist explaining soil health, as well as an environmental corner with Denbigh Angling Club, showing river health and fishing.

Antony Griffith, who owns Berth Bach Farm, said: “Our farm business was set up in 2012, and we did Open Farm Sunday for the first time two years ago, expecting maybe 2-300 people.

“To our surprise, 1,300 arrived, and the lack of knowledge among the public for what we do was staggering.

“We are hoping we may get a few more this year, and all of our volunteers recognise how  important it is to engage.”

Meanwhile, at the Rhug Estate, near Corwen, among the highlights will be sheepdog demonstrations, sheep shearing, farm machinery, and food and drink stalls.

Those in attendance can learn more about life on a working farm and meet the animals, including sheep, deer and Rhug's herd of North American bison, the largest in the UK.

Volunteers from Wales Federation of Young Farmers (Wales YFC) will be on hand to give information and guidance.

 

 

Events in our region on June 9 include:

Berth Bach

Time of event: 11am - 3pm

Address: Berth Bach Farm, Trefnant, Denbighshire LL164UG,

Event cost: Free

Highlights: Dairy; Sheep; Poultry, Goats

Henfaes

Time of event: 10am - 1pm

Address: Henfaes Research Centre, Abergwyngregyn, Bangor, Gwynedd LL33 0LB,

Event cost: Free

Highlights: Cereal crops (eg. barley, wheat); Sheep; Potatoes; Vegetables; Salads; Fruit; Flowers and plants; Environmental stewardship

Hendwr Farm

Booking details: office@hendwr.co.uk

Address: Hendwr Office, Llandrillo, Corwen, Denbighshire LL210SN,

Event cost: Free

Highlights: Beef, Sheep

Rhug Estate

Time of event: 10am to 4pm

Address: Rhug Estate , Corwen, Denbighshire LL21 OEH

Event cost: Free

Highlights: Flowers and plants; Farm shop/retail, Bison, Deer, Bees - Hives & Honey, Sustainable & Green Energy, Sheepdogs & Sheep Shearing