Ragley Estate Welcomes Thousands for a Day of Farming, Sustainability, and Tradition

Thousands of visitors attended Ragley Estate’s second annual Open Farm Sunday, a significant event celebrating British farming and rural heritage. Approximately 1,700 guests engaged with farm machinery displays, livestock, and crop demonstrations, while observing traditional skills such as horse-logging and venison butchery.

The event also offered educational activities for children, including flower making and plant observation through microscopes, fostering early interest in agriculture and the natural environment. Additionally, over 1,100 attendees participated in tractor and trailer tours of the estate’s farmland, led by knowledgeable farmers and estate personnel who provided detailed explanations of sustainable farming practices.

As a LEAF Marque certified farm, Ragley Estate leveraged the occasion to showcase its commitment to environmentally responsible agriculture. Visitors gained insight into the estate’s approaches to soil management, crop rotation, and conservation, highlighting the integration of sustainability within modern farming operations.

Annabel Shackleton, manager of Open Farm Sunday, emphasized the event’s role in strengthening public understanding of food origins. She noted the importance of fostering open dialogue around critical issues such as climate change, sustainability, food security, and encouraging youth engagement in the agricultural sector.

The Ragley Estate event formed part of the broader national Open Farm Sunday initiative, coordinated by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming). This year marked a record increase in participation, with a 20% rise in events nationwide and an estimated 200,000 visitors. Research conducted by LEAF indicated that 46% of Generation Z would consider a career in farming, underscoring the event’s relevance for future industry recruitment.

Mrs. Shackleton reflected positively on the event’s achievements, highlighting its impact on transforming public perceptions of farming. Looking ahead, Open Farm Sunday aims to continue fostering meaningful connections between consumers, farmers, and the food supply chain.