An Oldham farm will be opening its doors to the public this weekend for a chance to see farming in action and learn more about where our food comes from.
The Open Farm Sunday will be taking place on Sunday, June 7, and will involve 250 farms from across the country.
There is one Oldham farm taking part in the initiative – the Ivy Cottage Pedigree Ryelands, located off Hollins Road in Austerlands.
The farm is a small holding that specialises in “pedigree Ryeland sheep, which are used to produce meat and wool".
According to the farm’s description on the Open Farm Sunday website: “We sell the meat from the farm gate and are passionate about encouraging understanding of high quality meat production and animal welfare. We produce Hoggart and Mutton from our pedigree Ryelands.
“As Heritage sheep they take longer to mature and in this time by eating grass they develop flavour.
“All of our sheep are bucket trained and like to be fed by hand. We have some lovely lambs at the moment.”
During the open day, visitors will have the opportunity to help feed the lambs, learn more about the sheep and hold some chickens, which are said to be “really soft”.
Read more
Take a look inside modern £375,000 bungalow on market in Hollinwood
Saddleworth's Grandpa Greene's heading to Lord's Cricket Ground this summer
Monthly pop-up market coming to Failsworth this summer
Biggest planning decision in Oldham last month, from bungalows to a new spa
The event is free to attend, but visitors must book online in advance.
There are two other farms in Greater Manchester taking part in the Open Farm event. These are Far Benfield Farm in Romiley and Oak Farm in Stalybridge.
More information about these farms can be found on the Open Farm Sunday website.
The national event, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, is organised by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) that promotes and supports more sustainable farming to create a resilient food and farming system for future generations.
Annabel Shackleton, Open Farm Sunday event manager, said: “Open Farm Sunday is a wonderful day of discovery. Families can immerse themselves in a world they don’t usually see.
“It’s an opportunity to see sustainable farming in action, not as an idea on a label, but as something real, practical and happening every day. This research shows people care deeply about food security and about nature, and farmers are working hard to deliver both.
“For 20 years, Open Farm Sunday has helped build trust and connection between the public and farming. This anniversary year is a wonderful opportunity for children and adults alike to engage with farming in an interactive, fun and inspiring way while seeing how their everyday food choices can help support a more sustainable future.”
Share