Picture story: people across Devon show their support for British farmers on Farm Sunday
Hundreds of people visited West Middlewick Farm on 8 June for Farm Sunday to find out more about farming and where our food comes from. People of all ages had a memorable day tasting raw milk, meeting the animals and exploring nature. The farm also opened the brand new Hayloft Tea Shop for the first time, the newest addition to the farm shop.
John Gibson, from West Middlewick Farm, said: “The support of local people is vital to us and the farming industry. Thank you to everyone who came to see the farm and learn more about our unique way of life. It’s our privilege to farm the land, grow food and look after our animals. There is no doubt our five-week old piglets were the star attraction for children and many adults, and my family and all our experts enjoyed talking to members of the public and taking questions.”
Farms across the UK opened their gates to the public for Farm Sunday. At West Middlewick Farm, which is situated between Nomansland and Witheridge in mid Devon, people were able to see donkeys having their feet treated, sheep shearing, calves and cows, and even a giant rabbit. There was raw milk to taste, experts to talk to about all aspects of farming, as well as workshops and nature trails to the river.
West Middlewick Farm Shop was open selling a wide range of the farm’s own beef, pork and lamb, as well as delicious raw milk and all sorts of local produce.
The farm’s brand new Hayloft Tea Shop opened on Farm Sunday. The tea shop, which offers stunning views to Exmoor, served cream teas and other refreshments for the very first time. A former hayloft has been converted to create the unique tea shop which features a huge display of milk bottles and farming memorabilia.
Jo Gibson, from West Middlewick Farm, said: “What a day to celebrate British farming and local food. As farmers, we rear the animals and look after the land – but these days like so many other farmers, we are doing much more to ensure our business is sustainable for generations to come. That’s why we have expanded our West Middlewick Farm Shop offering our own meat, milk and a wide range of produce. And it was an absolute pleasure to welcome people for the very first time to our brand new Hayloft Tea Shop. This is a new experience and destination for everyone and we hope people love it.”
