Following the success of the last 3 years, farmers, volunteers and partners are all keen to continue to run farm events. Cumbria Farmer Network is working with Friends of the Lake District volunteers to contact interested farmers to arrange dates and details for events in 2013. They will be added to the site as events are arranged - please keep checking back.

Farming Landscapes events 2013

Farming Landscapes Project is a partnership between Friends of the Lake District and the Cumbria Farmer Network. It aims to raise awareness of local produce and the link between farming, food and the landscape – what you see and what you eat. It involves about 50 farmers and up to 30 volunteers over the three year period. The volunteers will work with farmers to put on a wide range of events that may include  themed walks, activities for the whole family and opportunites to to sample local produce.

The project results from a successful bid to the Cumbria Fells & Dales and Solway Border & Eden Local Action Groups for funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

See Stephen Lockwood's short film about the project here.

Event Info
Farming Landscapes' farm events are an opportunity to meet working farmers. It's their job to make a living from the landscape while looking after it so we can enjoy it too.

Many farmers encourage nature and wildlife on their land, as  well as looking after animals. A farm event is a great way to  learn about this important work and see at first hand some of the ways that modern farmers are rising to today's challenges. So please read the event entry carefully to make sure you know what to expect from the event.

The third and final season of Farming Landscape events came to a close in October 2012. This year 58 farms took part in the project and 900 people attended events. Feedback has been good. 82% who completed a feedback form said they enjoyed the event ‘lots - it was fantastic' and 65% said that they would do something different because of what they had learnt, 63% said they would buy local produce and 7% said they would join a conservation organisation. These events have been a success because of the hard work and effort of the farmers and families who held an event with the support of volunteers and we would like to thank them all for taking part. As the funded project approaches its close we are reviewing the project as a whole and looking at ways to enable farm events to carry on in a sustainable way with the support of volunteers in 2013 and beyond.

Booking an Event

Whether a booking is necessary is stated in the event listing.

What to expect at an event
Listings contain a 4-figure grid reference for the location of the event and postcodes for satnavs. Please bear in mind that satnavs are not always accurate in rural locations. Local signs will be erected near to the farm on the day. The start time of events is given in the listings. Typically events last about 2-3 hours and will be led by the farmer with the help of a volunteer. Walks are generally short (1-2 miles), over easy terrain with several stops to ask questions and see points of special interest. At some farms refreshments will be provided at the end of the event. Where the farm has a shop there will be an opportunity to buy produce at the end of the event. More details are available at www.farminglandscapes.com.

Children
Children are welcome to attend events, although there will not always be activities especially targeted towards them. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Cancellations
Under certain circumstances if, in the opinion of the leader, your safety or enjoyment may be compromised, it may be necessary to cancel or alter an event. Please check on the website www.farminglandscapes.com for cancellations or changed details prior to setting out.

Be Prepared
You are responsible for your needs during the event. Remember to bring sufficient food and drink. If you or anyone with you has a medical condition that might affect you on an event, please let the leader know at the start.

Weather
The weather in Cumbria can change suddenly and dramatically even in mid-summer. Remember to pack waterproof/windproof jacket and overtrousers, hat and gloves and spare warm clothing for all outdoor events. Wear suitable footwear, preferably walking boots with a good sole pattern. Don't forget sun cream and sun hats if it's sunny.

Farm events take place outdoors and on the working environment of a farm. Whilst every opportunity has been taken to ensure your safety on these events, the great outdoors is an unpredictable environment and your safety is ultimately your own responsibility. Participation at an event is at the discretion of the leader. Event leaders reserve the right to refuse you on an event if they feel you may compromise your own safety or that of others.

Wheel Friendly Events
Farms are working environments which are not necessarily suitable for pushchairs, wheelchair users and people of limited mobility. To confirm suitability of the event for limited mobility users please phone 01539 720788.

A special magazine celebrating Cumbria's farming landscapes has been produced as part of the Farming Landscapes Project. These are handed out at events but click here to download a copy to check it out.

This project is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.