There was plenty to celebrate at Low Bank Side Farm near Cartmel on Sunday as Martin and Arlene Fishwick hosted what they described as their most successful Open Farm Sunday event yet.

As tenant farmers on the Holker Estate, the Fishwick family have been opening their gates to the public for many years, helping visitors gain a better understanding of modern farming, food production and the important role farmers play in caring for the countryside. This year’s event attracted hundreds of visitors from across South Cumbria and beyond, making it the biggest and busiest Open Farm Sunday the family has hosted to date.

“Every year gets better and better”

Reflecting on the event, the Fishwicks said: “Thanks for all your support. What an amazing day we’ve had. Every year seems to get better.” Their comments underline the success of a day that brought together farming families, local businesses, volunteers and visitors in a celebration of modern British agriculture.

Opening the farm gate

Organised nationally by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), Open Farm Sunday celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. Since 2006, the initiative has encouraged farmers across the country to welcome visitors onto their farms, helping bridge the gap between those who produce our food and those who enjoy it.

Visitors to Low Bank Side Farm enjoyed livestock displays, machinery demonstrations, educational exhibits, a popular lambing simulator and opportunities to meet the people behind the farm and learn more about the realities of modern agriculture.

Farming and nature working together

One of the themes running throughout the day was the relationship between farming and the natural environment. Holker Estate Operations Director Morgan Robinson delivered talks on regenerative farming and led guided riverside walks, highlighting how productive farming and nature recovery can work hand in hand across the landscape.

Morgan said: “Open Farm Sunday is a fantastic opportunity to give people a better understanding of where their food comes from and the work that farmers do every day. Events like this help build trust and understanding between farming and the public, while also demonstrating that farming, wildlife and environmental stewardship can successfully coexist when managed well.”

The day also featured discussions around paludiculture and sustainable land management, providing visitors with an insight into some of the opportunities and challenges facing farming in the years ahead.

Celebrating 20 years of Open Farm Sunday

Farmgate Vets, who supported the event, praised the enthusiasm of those attending. A spokesperson said: “A super day was had by all at Low Bank Side Farm, Cartmel, where the Fishwick family threw their gates open for Open Farm Sunday. Lots of visitors, lots of questions and some great livestock on show, showcasing the best of British farming.”

Supporting our tenant farmers

Events such as Open Farm Sunday are only possible thanks to the commitment of farming families, volunteers, suppliers and supporters who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with others. For Holker, they are also an opportunity to celebrate the vital contribution made by our tenant farmers, who help sustain not only the rural economy but also the landscape, habitats and communities that make this part of Cumbria so special.

A huge thank you to Martin and Arlene Fishwick, their family and all those who helped make this year’s event such a success.