On Sunday 9th June 2024, the Bowditch family, supported by the Marshwood Vale Farmers Cluster and the Melplash Agricultural Society’s Discover Farming Team , opened their gates free to the public for Open Farm Sunday. The event, held at Francis Bugler, West Dorset Grain Co-op and Knowle Farm on the outskirts of Beaminster was a resounding success, attracting over 1,200 visitors from near and far.
The day was filled with a diverse range of activities, offering visitors a comprehensive glimpse into the world of farming and food production. Tractor and trailer rides were a hit for getting around the farm. Guests had the opportunity to witness first-hand how crops are grown locally in a world of using less artificial inputs, and even observe Ed Bowditch’s cows being milked and their calves being fed at Knowle dairy. The Discover Farming area offered families the chance to churn butter, grind grain and birth a cow! Local organisations, including Dorset Landscape, Butterfly Conservation, and rare sheep breed enthusiasts added to a memorable farming experience.
Delicious food options, including wild game burgers, curries, coffees, and the ever-popular Baboo ice cream kept visitors fuelled and satisfied throughout the day. The collaborative spirit and dedication of all involved ensured a memorable and informative experience for attendees.
Farmer, James Bowditch said, “The event was a true community effort, with volunteers ranging from farmers and their children to Buglers and the Discovery Farming crew who you’ll see again later in the year at the Melplash Show on 22nd August. Special thanks to all the local farming families who helped us with the day: Buglers, Case’s, Curtis’s, Fook’s, Gregory’s, Hardwill’s, Holland’s, Hutching’s, Streatfeild’s and Stover’s. We all hope the event leads to a deeper appreciation of farming, of where our food comes from and how intertwined farmers are with the local environment that we are the custodians of. We, farmers love what we do and enjoyed sharing our lives for one Sunday with everyone who came along!”.
Marshwood Vale Farmers Cluster is a group of 14 neighbouring farms in West Dorset who share knowledge and resources for environmental gain.
Discover Farming is the educational arm of the Melplash Agricultural Society.
LEAF Open Farm Sunday – the UK’s annual celebration of British Farming. In place to give those not involved in farming the opportunity to learn more about farming and the countryside, and farmers the chance to talk about what they are so proud of: British Food and farming!
