The project will involve around 50 farmers across Cumbria and up to 30 volunteers over the three year period, who will together put on a wide range of farm events that may include themed walks, activities for the whole family and opportunites to sample local produce.

Our aims are to give farmers support to develop skills and confidence to host their own public events and to develop local networks of farmers and volunteers who can run farm events on an ongoing basis once the three year funded project is completed.

Volunteers could be involved in a variety of tasks such as first aid, risk assessments, managing an event with a farmer and distributing publicity material. The project is looking for volunteers who are happy to carry on as a volunteer for farm events once the three year funded period is up. We would also like to hear from farmers who would like to take part.

The project has been developed in partnership with the Cumbria Farmer Network and builds on a programme of events run by Friends of the Lake District and the Cumbria Farmer Network in 2006 and 2007. Money for the project will come from the Rural Development Programme for England.

Project officer Penny Ozanne said: 'The idea of the project is to educate the public about where food comes from and the links between landscape and farming - what you see and what you eat. Volunteering is a great way to support farmers and farming and to help the environment. We hope the first events will take place in July, so please get in touch if you'd like to take part, or to learn more about events in your area.'

If you would like further information about the project or are interested in volunteering please get in contact with Penny Ozanne on 01539 720788 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .