Neil Darwent, Walk Farm
Farm Director, Neil Darwent is looking forward to showing visitors around Walk Farm, near Frome, for LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday (12th June). Neil comes from a farming family and has been running dairy herds and farms across the south of England for 25 years. He is passionate about promoting British farming and helping people of all ages discover more about the work farmers do to produce our food and care for the countryside.
Walk Farm is part of Lordswood Farms Ltd which is a member of LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), the organisers of Open Farm Sunday. Neil and his colleagues follow the LEAF ethos to ensure they farm in the most sustainable way and work hard to promote a greater understanding of farming within the local community and beyond – which is one of the reasons they are so keen to welcome visitors to their farm on the 12th June.
On Open Farm Sunday, Neil and his team will be giving guided tours of the farm, so visitors will be able to discover just how the farmers work with nature to manage the countryside. For example, they will find out how the farm encourages the growth of clover (something home owners usually try to eradicate!) to help with feeding the cattle and reduce the need for artificial fertiliser.
During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to see some of the 60 acres of trees that have been planted, which have created wildlife habitats on land at the margins of the farms. They will also discover how the newly introduced pheasant shoot is increasing the number of songbirds and other wildlife on the farm.
Walk Farm is home to a herd of Montbeliarde cattle, famous in France for making wonderful French cheeses such as Reblochon and Mont d’Or, and the tour will offer fascinating insights into these amazing cattle. Neil will explain that although cattle might all look the same they do each have unique characteristics – from the bossy cow who must be first, to the curious cow who will always be looking over the hedge!
Walk Farm is one of hundreds of farms that are opening up their gates for LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday on 12th June. The day offers everyone a fantastic day out and a unique opportunity to discover the story behind our food and to learn more about how farmers care for the countryside too. To find a farm open near you visit: www.farmsunday.org For more information visit www.farmsunday.org and for up-to-date campaign information, follow us on Twitter – twitter.com/openfarmsunday
For more infomration contact:
David Gough or Laura Bates
Open Farm Sunday Press Office
T: 01189 475956 M : 07884 353 474
E: david.gough@ceres-pr.co.uk / laura.bates@ceres-pr.co.uk