Open Farm Sunday – 2nd June 2024
Save the date! The whole family is welcome at this FREE event. The theme for Open Farm Sunday 2024 is ‘Farming with nature’. We do plenty of that, so come and explore our machinery, find out about invertebrates, bats & birds, have a go at green woodworking or enjoy a guided farm walk.
This year we are holding our event at Deepdale Farm a week earlier than the national day. This means it coincides with the last weekend of the May half term, making it the perfect half term activity. If you are visiting Norfolk for half term and heading home that day, why not stretch your legs around our farm before your journey.
Bookings are now open and we have many activities confirmed, but we may add more as well.
Confirmed:
- owl pellet dissection
- green woodworking demonstration with Richard Rood
- Norfolk Rivers Trust
- Norfolk & Norwich Bat Group
- Iceni Bird Monitoring Group
- guided farm walk (approximately 1.5 hours) with beautiful views of Brancaster Staithe harbour
- machinery to explore including our combine and tractor
- display on regenerative farming practices
Price: FREE but please pre-book your place, to help us plan for appropriate numbers.
Bird ringing demonstration
In addition to the main event, the Lamsdells, from the Iceni Bird Monitoring Group are running a bird ringing demonstration at 9am. This will last an hour, so you can also enjoy the activities in the farmyard and farm walk.
This is an opportunity for a small group of 10 people to see what is involved in bird monitoring on the farm. The Lamsdells will explain how they monitor the birds, what species have been found on the farm at which times of year, and if any birds are caught they will demonstrate how they are then monitored. This session is weather dependent.
The guided farm walk
The walk is about 3km, which takes approximately 1.5 hours, with regular stops and discussions about our crops, regenerative and organic farming practices, woodland and wildlife. It will take you to areas of the farm not usually open to the public, with fantastic views of Scolt Head Island and Brancaster Harbour.
We have found this walk is most appropriate for ages 12+, but this is at your discretion depending on your child’s interest in farming and wildlife, and their capacity for a good walk.
Please come suitably dressed for the weather, with decent shoes/boots for walking as there will be some dirt tracks and uneven ground. Despite us being in ‘flat’ Norfolk there is a gentle uphill climb and descent. We will be walking on fields and crossing field boundaries, therefore this walk may not be suitable for wheelchair users. Please email us with any queries.
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome.
About LEAF and Open Farm Sunday
LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) – the leading organisation delivering more sustainable food and farming. Their mission is to inspire and enable more circular approaches to farming and food systems through integrated, regenerative and vibrant nature-based solutions, that deliver productivity and prosperity among farmers, enriches the environment and positively engages young people and wider society. LEAF Open Farm Sunday is a nationwide campaign giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about farming and the countryside, and farmers the chance to talk about what they’re so proud of: British food and farming!
Directions and Car Parking
- Follow the postcode PE31 8DD, turning in where the large green sign says Deepdale Camping & Rooms
- Drive up the drive, and follow the Car Park signs for Open Farm Sunday, into the farm yard on your left
- Once you’ve parked, please follow the signs and team directing you
