Page 61 - Eclipse - Autumn/Winter 2024

COMMUNITY

Open Farm Sunday at Boltons Park Farm

Grace Mackintosh Sim, Outreach Development Manager

our largest Open Farm Sunday
ever was this year, with 1,200
tickets booked and a constant
Oinflux of enthusiastic visitors,
for many of whom it was the first time
on our farm.
The milk vending machine as hugely
popular and attendees flocked to buy their
locally produced milk, with a production
journey of under 20 metres from cow to
customer! The milkshake options only
added to the draw of this now established
sustainable produce.
New for this year, guests were treated
to a mini show, as an introduction to the
RVC ensuring that everyone gathered
the take home message that the teaching
farm is where students learn to care for a
range of animals.
In addition, they were signposted to science
opportunities, such as our mini lab and
museum area in the upstairs classroom.
For the first time, we had borrowed
microscopes from Hawkshead for children
to try out – and they enjoyed comparing
mammalian red blood cells, with their
nucleated counterparts in birds and reptiles.
Open Farm Sunday’s national theme
included the importance of narrative, and
our student ambassadors consequently
spoke about their own experiences in farming
placements and learning to care for cattle,
sheep and pigs. The second focus was
the importance of farmers as guardians of
the landscape, and we had a dedicated
biodiversity area to emphasise the link
between agriculture and nature.
We were very grateful to all the staff who
helped at this event, and an absolute highlight
was the opportunity for people of all ages to
try out the calving teaching model!
“Everyone was so knowledgeable and
passionate. My children loved looking down the
microscopes and seeing the calving demo.”
“I live locally in Little Heath. It was lovely to
be able to visit and see the farm and animals
nearby. Even better to buy the milk.”
Keep an eye out for your chance
to visit next year on Sunday 8th June.

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