Experience Open Farm Sunday In The Beauty Of The North York Moors

Farms across Yorkshire and the UK will be throwing open their gates on 9 June as they welcome the public for Open Farm Sunday.

In the North York Moors National Park, Stonebeck Gate Farm at Little Fryup, near Danby, will be giving visitors the opportunity to experience life on a working moorland farm.

This fantastic and free family day out will include sheepdog and gundog exhibitions, as well as displays of sheep shearing, drystone walling and farm machinery. Members of the National Park team from the nearby Moors National Park Centre will also be there with activities for children including a ‘spot the tractors’ trail, craft activities and the opportunity to become a ‘Young Ranger’ by helping to build a bridge. Gates open at 12noon until 4pm and refreshments will be available.

Sally Ann Smith, Gallery Curator and Events Co-ordinator at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said:

“Taking part in Open Farm Sunday is always a highlight of our summer. It’s entertaining for kids and grownups alike but also increases awareness of where our food comes from and the hard work that goes into producing it. Farmers play an instrumental role in the upkeep of the North York Moors, helping to maintain its landscape and support and encourage a diverse range of wildlife.”

Also opening to the public is Botton Social Farm in Danby. Botton, which is managed by Camphill Village Trust, is a mixed organic farm that provides placement opportunities to adults with disabilities. On 9 June, visitors will be able to see how the farm operates, including its beef cattle, sheep, pigs and horticulture enterprise.

Towards the south of the National Park, Stepney Hill Farm, near Scarborough, Beadlam Grange, near Helmsley and Wildon Grange, near Thirsk, are all taking part in the national open day. Each of these events is free to attend. For more information about opening times and exhibitions at each location, please visit farmsunday.org.