HUNDREDS of farmers throughout England will throw open their gates this Sunday (June 7) so that town’s folk – and children in particular – can see what actually happens down on the farm.

This will be the fourth annual open farm Sunday, an event created by the environment department Defra with the help of co-operating farmers when it was realised that many children brought up in towns and cities have little idea of where their food comes from.

Surveys showed that some youngsters believe that meat comes ready wrapped in plastic from the supermarket and others did not realise that milk comes from cows.

This year’s event is backed by the countryside quango Natural England and its acting chairman Poul Christensen commented: : “Over the next three years we want to make it easier for one million more children to get outside and enjoy our natural environment.

“Days like this, with the chance to get up close to farm animals and go wildlife-spotting, make a visit to the countryside all the more enjoyable for children and may help to inspire a long-lasting love of the outdoors.”

The Yorkshire and Humber list of Natural England supported farms – including two in and around the Yorkshire Dales - opening up for visits on Open Farm Sunday is:

• Fulwith Mill Farm, Fulwith Mill Lane, Harrogate HG2 8HJ
• Whirlow Hall Farm, Whirlow Lane, Sheffield S11 9QF
• Green Farm, Hellifield, Nr Skipton, North Yorks BD23 4LA
• Manor Farm, Kelfield, York YO19 6RG

For more information about Open Farm Sunday and to find a farm near you, visit www.farmsunday.org