Visit a farm

As well as LEAF’s annual Open Farm Sunday event, when lots of farms open their gates to the public, LEAF also have a nationwide network of farms where visits for school and adult groups can be arranged throughout the year.

Visiting a farm provides a fantastic opportunity for everyone, young and old to enjoy the living, vibrant countryside. Take time to listen to the birds, soak up the scenery, experience the smells of the farmyard and really get in touch with the land that feeds us.

What will there be to see and do?

Every farm is unique with different things to see, from animals and crops to wildlife and fresh produce. Activities during the visit may include a farm walk, nature trail, tractor and trailer ride, pond dipping or activities for children.

Get a group together

Every farm is a real working farm which means hosting visits takes time out of the farmers busy day. Therefore visits can only be arranged for groups. 

How much will it cost?

Generally there is no charge for visits, although we would encourage you or your group to become a member of LEAF and support our work.

What will I need to wear?

Most farm visits take place on foot or on a trailer.  You will need waterproofs and strong footwear.

E.Coli (0157)

LEAF has been working closely with farmers and with relevant authorities to make sure Open Farm Sunday will be a fun, enjoyable day and safe for everyone. We ran a series of workshops up and down the country to prepare farmers for the big day, and one of our priorities was ensuring every farmer is aware of his obligations as far as providing hand-washing facilities and segregating eating areas, and other health and safety issues.

While farmers must take appropriate health and safety measures and provide good hand washing facilities, LEAF strongly advises visitors, especially the parents of young children, that they should also ensure they and their families use the facilities as recommended. That way, the risk from E.Coli (0157) will be minimal.

LEAF farmers host hundreds of farm visits every year that demonstrate how they produce the food we eat whilst caring for the environment. To help farmers ensure the safety of their visitors, we run professional training courses which detail the procedures that must be in place to achieve a safe but enjoyable visit. For Open Farm Sunday 2011 over 400 farms across the country will be open to the public, and in 2010 184,000 visitors enjoyed a great day out.