Laverstock Water Meadows holds free event for Open Farm Sunday

Among the places taking part were Laverstock Water Meadows and Nunton Farm, which ran events on Sunday, June 9, inviting visitors to see the behind-the-scenes.

Laverstock Water Meadows, 65 acres of meadows hosted a free-to-enter event, offering visitors guided walks across the water meadows, meeting farm animals, and discovering wildlife amongst the flower meadows.

The event was free but donations were accepted by the Devenish Bradshaw Charitable Trust, which owns and farms the land.

People could walk to River Bourne Community Farm, where Scouts from 1st Laverstock were selling brownies and all sorts of sweet treats alongside. 

Two Bird Experiences apprentice Ollie with a barn owl (Image: Two Bird Experiences)

Two Bird Experiences, a bird of prey company in Andover which started in Salisbury, was also putting on displays, informative talks, and events relating to birds of prey.

Emily Ryland-Langley, who set up the company six years ago, was with her apprentice Ollie Boyle, and they were accompanied by Nola, a common barn owl, Echo, a hybrid falcon, and Ruby, a red-tailed buzzard. 

Emily said: "It was a lovely event. We had lots of people come up and see us and we were pleased to see so many familiar faces. Lots of people were interested in what the event was about - getting people interested in farming and helping them to understand more about what farming is and what it does." 

Two Bird Experiences also discussed using birds of prey for crop protection, to prevent birds such as pigeons and starlings from ruining crops and affecting farmers' yields.

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Cattle on the Water Meadows (Image: David Burton)

Devenish Bradshaw Charitable Trust trustee, David Burton, said: "This is the first time we have taken part so used the event as a pilot, and we had around 150 people come on the day. We had some really positive feedback from those who attended and will be taking part in Open Farm Sunday next year too.

"The event was not aimed at being a big event. Instead it was a bit quieter and relaxing, giving those who came an opportunity to go on a nice walk while thinking about and taking an interest in nature and farming matters.

"We were thrilled with the uptake this year. The scouts enjoyed attending so we'll make sure they're back next year, and we're looking forward to taking part in our own little way."

The Devenish Bradshaw Charitable Trust holds community events each month, with the next being free guided walks and activities for children on Saturday, July 6.