Take a walk down on the farm on Farm Sunday

Eight farms in Cumbria will be opening their gates as part of a national programme of events on Farm Sunday on June 10th. The open days are being organised so that people can hear and see the positive steps farmers are taking to look after the fabric of our countryside whilst producing safe, wholesome and affordable food. Farms in locations across the county are taking part and offering a range of activities for the day.

Four of the events are part of the Cumbria Farm Days Project which is running similar on farm events throughout the summer. Cumbria Farm Days started in 2006, when over 500 people took part in 40 open days. The events helped to change perspectives about farming with nearly a third of participants saying that would buy more farm produce as a result of the visit.

"For visitors to the Lake District a trip to a farm is a great way of finding out about how farmers look after the landscape which people come to enjoy," said Carol Douglas, Farm Events Officer at Friends of the Lake District. "They produce a whole range of products and benefits that are enjoyed by the public and it is important that people recognise the link between the food they eat and the landscape they enjoy".

Many of the events are being run in partnership with the Cumbria Farmer Network - a local farmers' co-operative set up to address the challenges faced by agriculture today. The project is funded by the Cumbria Fells and Dales Leader + Programme, Friends of the Lake District, Cumbria Tourism and Natural England. Individual farmers are also involved helping to raise awareness amongst the public about the work they do.

For details of all the events visit www.floraofthefells.com