Initial estimates from organisers Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF) indicate that more than 270,000 people visited a farm on Open Farm Sunday.
A total of 358 farms opened their gates to the public on Sunday (June 10), a quarter of which were opening for the first time (94 farms). This brings the total number of visitors to a farm for LEAF Open Farm Sunday over the last 13 years to over 2.2 million.
These included a number of pig farms who opened their gates to give an insight into how they operate.
LEAF said the event once again received significant support from across the industry, with Defra Secretary Michael Gove visiting Tuesley Farm, part of the Hall-Hunter Partnership.
There was widespread media coverage for the campaign in the weeks running up to June 10, including in national newspapers and on national and regional TV and radio. On the day too there was significant broadcast coverage for the campaign, with both ITV and BBC sending out crews to cover events across the country.
Caroline Drummond, LEAF chief executive said: “LEAF Open Farm Sunday continues to go from strength to strength and yet again we have seen how by working together, the industry can really make a vital difference enabling the public to engage with farming. It is this collaboration that makes LEAF Open Farm Sunday the success it is, so, firstly a huge thank you to the hundreds of farmers who opened their gates and to their families and helpers.
““Thank you too, to all our sponsors, without whose support this campaign couldn’t happen. Farmers play a crucial role in enabling public access and enjoyment of the beautiful countryside and we know from our research how much benefit this campaign delivers to everyone.”
