TWO farms in the North York Moors National Park will be throwing open their gates to visitors next month as part of Open Farm Sunday.

Stonebeck Gate Farm, Fryup and Fowl Green Farm, Commondale will be hosting a variety of activities on Sunday, June 8, to highlight life on a moorland farm and the vital role farmers play in looking after the countryside.

At Stonebeck Gate there will be sheep dog trials, drystone walling and sheep shearing demonstrations, talks and information on moorland farming, the "Robinson" collection of farm and domestic artefacts, plus short guided walks led by National Park Authority staff and volunteers looking at the different habitats supported by the farm. Children can meet the resident pigs, lambs and moorland sheep and can make an animal mask to take home.

Nature trails and guided walks offer the perfect opportunity to explore Fowl Green Farm and there will also be craft stalls and demonstrations of sheep shearing and wool spinning. People can find out more about the Hayshed Experience, a Community Interest Company based at the farm which works with adults with disabilities to deliver a wide range of training and work experience.

Sally Ann Smith, Events and Exhibitions Coordinator at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said:

“Visiting a farm is always a fun day out for kids and increases awareness of where our food comes from and the hard work that goes into producing it. Farmers play an instrumental role in the upkeep of the North York Moors, helping to maintain its landscape and support and encourage a diverse range of wildlife. I am grateful to both farms for inviting people to find out more about the important work they do.”

Stonebeck Gate Farm (YO21 2NS) will be open from 12 – 4pm and Fowl Green Farm (YO21 2HN) from 11am – 3pm. Both events are free of charge and refreshments will be available. Open Farm Sunday is an annual event managed by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) that has been running since 2006. More information is available at www.farmsunday.org