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www.whyfarmingmatters.co.uk Why farming matters in the Keep farming

Lincoln A personal view by

Skegness Professor David Bellamy The Fens are one of my favourite ‘head just above water’ landscapes. I have known them Boston since I was evacuated to in the War and I have loved them ever since. The Fens are Spalding King’s Lynn a place to get away from it all – a place to go to dream about the -men and their Wisbech Swaffham methods of fishing and wildfowling, all rooted in those rich soils. March It was the Romans who first recognised the Thetford Fens’ farming potential and Vermuyden, the Ely th 17 century Dutch engineer, who slowly but surely turned the area into some of the richest farmland in the world. The Fens have always fascinated and challenged in equal measure Newmarket and that continues today as farmers look to sustainable management of an area that is still subsiding thanks to the effect of the last ice age.

Farmers working together with, and not The Fens against, Mother Nature are using sustainable techniques like integrated crop management to provide locally produced chips, crisps, The Fens vegetables and salad, cutting down the waste of fuel on food miles. Conservation groups of Grade 1 agricultural land every shape and size are working in partnership with farmers to repair, re-wet and regenerate, recreating mowing fens and grazing . These not only help protect the landscape against tidal surge but also the rich heritage of flowers, insects, fish and birds that educate, enthral and delight locals and visitors alike.

Farming has played a central role in the history of this unforgettable landscape. It must perform a central role in its future. COURTESY OF FENS TOURISM Why farming matters in the Fens Farming and the Fens are inextricably linked. It was the prize of farming the Fens’ nutrient rich soils which led to the area being drained hundreds of years ago and turned the Fens into what they are today – a unique landscape, a place of huge horizons and dramatic skies but also a powerhouse of productive agriculture and horticulture.

The Fens begin their life in the surrounding with a combined capacity to pump the and underpinning healthy and vibrant uplands where four rivers – the Witham, equivalent of 16,500 Olympic sized communities. Welland, Nene and Ouse – start their swimming pools in 24 hours. journey. These rivers carry water from the The vital role played by farming in the Fens uplands and surrounding areas down Coupled with over 60 miles of coastal sea is underlined by the fact that, since 1995, through the Fens and into . walls and 96 miles of fluvial embankments the self-sufficiency of the UK has declined the Fens are well protected, despite their steadily. UK farmers now only produce Before the Fens were drained water flowed vulnerability to flooding. However, climate 71% of the food that we eat that can be into the area, creating an inhospitable change poses a serious threat to the Fens. grown in our climate2. wetland. It wasn’t until the 17th century, Predictions of sea level rises of up to 82cm by 20801, together with an increase when of the wetlands first began However, farming in the UK has never in earnest, that the Fens as we know them in the frequency and intensity of storm been more important, a fact highlighted began to take shape. Under the surge events, mean that there must be a recently by poor global harvests that have supervision of Dutch engineer Cornelius continued programme of investment in left many countries facing food shortages. Vermuyden the Fens were systematically flood defences. As a result food security is once again on drained to reveal nutrient rich soil which the political agenda. Set against a steady could be used for farming. In all, 88% of land in the Fens is cultivated decline in self-sufficiency across the and the fertile soils account for about half country, the Fens are a highly productive To maintain water levels in the Fens, and of all grade 1 land, the most productive and precious resource that must be mitigate the risk of flooding, water must be farmland, in . protected to safeguard food production. pumped into the rivers and out into the Wash. Organisations known today as Farming contributes significantly to the 1 UKCIP02, a report detailing climate Internal Drainage Boards were formed to success of the local economy, supporting maintain the watercourses and pumps. a large number of businesses involved in change scenarios for the UK (2002) 2 Members of each board include elected the production of food and rural tourism. Agriculture in the UK 2006, Department farmers and local councillors who However farming also makes a major for the Environment, Food and Rural represent the interests of people living and contribution to protecting the environment Affairs (DEFRA) working in the Fens. Policy recommendations Initially wind supplied the energy to pump the water out and at one time 700 or more The NFU calls for the following urgent action to secure a successful and wind pumps dominated the Fens’ sustainable future for the Fens: landscape. With the advent of steam power in the 19th century steam powered • Climate change presents a multitude of threats. With the right policy pumps began to take their place. framework, farmers in the Fens can be part of the solution by helping to meet ambitious renewable energy targets in the East and the East Today the Fens are home to approximately of England. half a million people and cover an area of almost 1,500 square miles encompassing • Flooding poses a serious threat to the Fens. It is crucial that authorities 11 districts, four counties and two take appropriate action to minimise the risk and impact of future events. A government office and development continued programme of investment in flood defence measures is essential agency regions. Well-maintained flood to mitigate the risk of flooding due to the effects of climate change. defences remain essential and Internal Drainage Boards maintain 3,800 miles of • Farming in the Fens is nationally important and makes a significant watercourses and 286 pumping stations. contribution to the regional economy. It is essential that all stakeholders continue to support the sustainable growth of the farming and food The steam pumps of the past have been industries to guarantee the future prosperity of the Fens. replaced by either diesel or electric pumps 1 Why farming in the Fens matters to the economy Farms in the Fens exemplify modern and sustainable farming, combining exceptional production with outstanding environmental stewardship. Employing 27,000 people3 and supporting a large and diverse range of businesses, farms in the Fens contribute significantly to the success of the economy.

Harvest at Martins Farm, Postland near There are an estimated 4,000 farms in the Fens covering all sectors of agriculture Crops grown in the Fens and horticulture. This includes arable, livestock, poultry and dairy farming as well Crop Acres grown in the Fens Percentage of total as a large number of farms growing English acreage vegetables and ornamental plants. Farms Vegetables grown 72,000 37% in the Fens permanently employ 14,000 in the open people, or 6% of the working population. Potatoes 62,000 24% Horticultural production is particularly 53,000 17% labour intensive and a further 13,000 Bulbs and flowers people are employed temporarily 5,500 38% throughout the year in the Fens to sow, grown in the open* harvest and process crops. Source: June agricultural census 2006, DEFRA. *2004

Overall 89% of farmland in the Fens is either grade 1 or 2 agricultural land. Due to the predominance of high quality land, farms in the Fens are exceptionally Case study: Shropshire’s, Ely productive and are famous for producing large quantities of vegetables, wheat, potatoes and sugar beet as well as ornamental plants such as daffodils.

Richard Turner, Celery Manager “Rising world demand, The Shropshire family originally farmed consumer and market research. It serves 300 acres near Ely but over the last 50 all sectors of the food industry from climate change and years Shropshire’s has grown to be one supermarkets to independent retailers, energy security have of the largest fresh produce companies in restaurants and food manufacturers all Europe, employing more than 1,700 over Europe. Protecting the environment combined to make people at the height of the season. is a priority for Shropshire’s. It has agriculture a integrated the conservation of a wide Shropshire’s success is due to its variety of species including skylarks and innovative approach to production and strategically important pipistrelle bats into the management of its marketing. In 1984 Guy Shropshire industry once again, farms. Where possible, Shropshire’s also founded G’s Growers, a cooperative of utilises sub-irrigation and planting a sector that offers farmers which became more efficient by systems, which increase energy efficiency sharing expertise and resources. Today society solutions, not and reduce the use of water, fertilisers Shropshire’s grows a wide variety of and pesticides needed to grow crops. problems.” vegetables, both conventionally and Peter Kendall, NFU President organically, and is one of Europe’s leading salad producers. Shropshire’s has won many awards including the Biodiversity Vegetables and salads produced by Challenge County Award. Shropshire’s are marketed by G’s Marketing Ltd, a subsidiary which For more information visit 3 NFU estimate based on the June conducts and acts upon the latest www.shropshires.com Agricultural Census and other sources 3

The Fens maintain a level of production far The Fens are also famous for producing exceeding their geographical size. Every potatoes, one of the world’s staple foods. year farms in the Fens grow enough wheat Demand for potatoes has grown by 4.5% to produce 250 million loaves of bread and annually for the past ten years. Farms in 37% of all the vegetables produced in the Fens produce 1.5 million tonnes of England are grown in the rich fertile soils of potatoes each year, equivalent to 24% of the Fens. These include a large number of all the potatoes grown in England and different vegetables grown to cater for an worth an estimated £232 million. These increasingly sophisticated market. potatoes are supplied to retailers and caterers as well as many prominent food One particular farm business in the Fens manufacturers. produces almost half of all the beetroot grown in the UK. On other farms oriental In addition, farmers in the Fens play the vegetables such as pak choi now grow leading role in the production of Colman’s alongside many other traditional vegetable English Mustard, one of England’s iconic varieties including iceberg lettuce, savoy brands. Colman’s has been making cabbage and winter celery. All of these mustard in Norwich for over 180 years and vegetables provide the essential today 13 of the 16 farms that grow ingredients for the five-a-day programme, mustard in England for Colman’s are offering a healthier lifestyle for all and located in the Fens. reducing the incidence of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer4. 4 Department of Health. The NHS Plan (2000)

Case study: Richard and Margaret Case study: Premier Vegetables, Angood, Old Leake near Boston Following in his father’s footsteps Richard represents the fourth generation of his family to farm in the Fens. With his wife Margaret, Richard owns and farms 200 acres of land on Byall and Langwood Fens near Chatteris.

The business is an excellent example of how relatively small farms contribute significantly not only to the economy but also to rural life. The Angoods grow a number of different crops including cereals, sugar beet and potatoes and also keep a flock of sheep. The cereals and potatoes are marketed by Fengrain and MBMG respectively. Both companies are based in the Fens and, combined, employ 550 people and Ian Baker, generate a turnover of £150 million. Managing Director

The Angoods employ one other person Premier Vegetables is a marketing Premier Vegetables is an innovative full time which allows Richard to farm company which markets, packs and company that continually strives to neighbouring farmland under contract, a distributes the produce of nine increase its efficiency and improve the practice which is becoming increasingly farms, covering a total of quality of its produce. As part of its common. In addition to farming, 2,500 acres. Founded by Mick Baker in development work it has successfully Margaret is a Justice of the Peace while 1983 the company now employs over extended the English growing season Richard, keen to pass on his knowledge 200 people at the height of the season. of a number of different varieties of and expertise to the next generation of Every year Premier Vegetables supplies cabbage by a total of 24 weeks. This budding farmers, teaches part time at Tesco with 20 million cabbages and means that it imports fewer cabbages the Agricultural College of West in 3,000 tonnes of sprouts, the equivalent of from abroad, saving over 250,000 food Wisbech. 18 million portions. miles per year.

5 Harvested pumpkins at Oakley Farms, Outwell near Wisbech Case study: Delamore, Wisbech St Mary

Peter Wood, Managing Director As well as their leading role in food Every year Delamore supplies more than meet increasingly sophisticated consumer production, the Fens are also one of the 100 million young plants to nurseries demands. Delamore works closely with country’s most important areas for throughout the UK and employs 100 plant breeders to develop new varieties. ornamental crop production. An estimated people. The company is always keen to 250 farms and nurseries grow hardy Fifty new varieties are currently embrace new technology and develop nursery stock and approximately 38% of represented in its catalogue, which new varieties. It recently invested in a the bulbs and flowers produced in includes over 1,000 different varieties of state of the art greenhouse covering 14 England. ornamental plants including fuchsias, acres. Water, temperature and light levels geraniums, perennials, lavenders, are automatically adjusted to provide The contribution of farming to the maximum efficiency. climbers, and shrubs. economy does not end at the farm gate. Farming in the Fens supports a large and Horticulture is a very competitive industry For more information visit diverse range of other businesses involved and product development is crucial to www.delamore.co.uk in the food industry such as hauliers, packers, wholesalers and merchants, food and drink manufacturers as well as those involved in financial and legal services, Case study: Mason Bros, Swineshead construction and tourism. The full contribution of farming to the economy can only be appreciated once the relationship between farming and the businesses it supports is taken into account.

“Rural areas like the Farming supports a wide range of transport, grading and storage company. Fens make a vital businesses in the Fens such as hauliers, Today Mason Bros employs up to 130 which provide efficient ways of people and transports 80,000 tonnes of contribution to the transporting produce. Mason Bros, potatoes and onions each year from prosperity of the founded in 1962 by Gerald Mason when thousands of farms all over the UK and he purchased a small holding and two Europe. Realising there was a demand for .” small cattle trucks, is one example. the handling and storage of potatoes and Gerald originally planned to expand the onions, Mason Bros recently built a Richard Ellis, Chair of the East of farm but instead he responded to grading and storage facility to provide England Development Agency requests by customers of the former customers with a complete transport, owner to provide transport. Since then grading and storage service. Gerald’s three sons have taken over the day to day running of the business and it For more information visit has grown into a successful vegetable www.masonbrothers.co.uk

7 Why farming in the Fens matters to the food and drink manufacturing industry Farming is the crucial first step in a food chain that, in turn, supports around 250 businesses in the Fens involved in producing and distributing a diverse range of food and drink.

Chicory at Jack Buck Farms, Moulton Seas End near . Courtesy of Jack Buck Farms The food and drink manufacturing sector and manufacturing industry conducted by is the largest single manufacturing sector the NFU revealed that companies in the in the Fens and is key to the sustainable Fens source approximately 60% of their growth of the region. Food and drink produce from the local area5. manufacturers in the Fens generate a turnover of approximately £1.7 billion and, Combined, the farming and the food together with businesses that pack and manufacturing sectors provide 13% of distribute produce, employ around 17,500 jobs in the Fens. However, like farming, the people in the Fens, accounting for 7% of cluster of businesses manufacturing food employment. and drink also supports a range of businesses that supply it with materials or There is a wide range of food and drink provide services. As such farming, and the manufacturing businesses in the Fens. food and drink manufacturing sector it These range from small companies supports, provide substantial added value employing one person to international and employment in the Fens. companies employing thousands. However, irrespective of size, each business values the Fens as a plentiful source of excellent quality fresh produce. 5 Fens food industry survey conducted by A recent survey of the food processing the NFU (2007)

“Farmers in the Fens Case study: Greenvale AP, March are rightly proud of the fresh produce they grow. To me the variety, quality and taste of food from the Fens is superb.” Rachel Green, Tastes of Lincolnshire Champion and celebrity chef

Over the last 40 years Greenvale AP has from Greenvale AP and is the only variety grown to become a leading supplier of of potato specifically bred for organic fresh potatoes. From March in the heart production. It is particularly resistant to of the Fens, and two other sites in disease. Shropshire and Berwickshire, Greenvale AP packs and distributes 600,000 tonnes The success of Greenvale AP is due in of potatoes each year to retailers, part to its progressive philosophy, which caterers and food manufacturers all over sees it work in partnership with many the UK and Europe. leading research centres. Product development is a particular priority and it In addition to packing and distributing worked with the Scottish Crop Research potatoes, Greenvale Foods, a subsidiary Institute to develop a very successful new of Greenvale AP located in Wisbech, Peruvian potato variety called Mayan manufactures cooked potato products Gold. Greenvale AP has also developed including chips and mashed potato. many innovative storage and natural pest Greenvale Foods uses a number of control technologies. different varieties of potato including Maris Piper, Vales Emerald and Lady For more information visit Balfour. The latter is available exclusively www.greenvale.co.uk

9 Farmers play an Why farming important role in managing and in the Fens protecting the environment. More than matters to the 670,000 acres, or 70% of land in the Fens, is managed under environment environmental stewardship schemes. Under these schemes land managers look after 270 miles of hedgerow and 1,780 miles of , providing important for endangered birds and mammals. The ditches which criss-cross farmland in 153,000 acres and is one of the most the Fens provide the perfect for the outstanding coastal wetlands in Europe. The water vole, one of England’s most Wash consists of an important and rare endangered native animals. It lives in combination of habitats including open burrows alongside rivers, ditches and ponds water, and . These but across the UK numbers have been diverse habitats support a wide variety of falling due to the loss of habitat and wildlife and are one of the most important predation by mink, a non-native species. winter feeding grounds for waders and wildfowl in the UK. However, a survey by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough water vole project has Irreplaceable habitats such as the Wash and revealed that the Fens provide the perfect the Nene and are protected refuge for water voles. They were found to by livestock farmers who graze cattle and be living in 93% of drains at Ransonmoor sheep on them. Grazing reduces the height Case Study: and 64% of drains at Curf Fen6. and increases the diversity of vegetation, Vine House Farm, providing a rich habitat for birds and other Deeping St Nicholas Coupled with hedgerow and wildlife. Farmers also provide an important management, many farmers prepare Nicholas Watts farms 2,000 acres in supply of food for migrating birds such as integrated farm management plans. These and is passionate about the Bewick's swans, which feed on sugar beet environment and protecting habitat for ensure efficient and environmentally sensitive tops and small potatoes left in fields after birds. Vine House Farm grows a number use of inputs and resources while protecting the crops have been harvested. of different crops both conventionally and the environment and allowing farmers to organically and between its larger fields produce quality fresh food. Effective “Without the support of Nicholas has created 20 metre wide wild management of the diverse range of soil flower strips. types in the Fens is key to the economic local farmers… we and environmental sustainability of farms. would not be treated to Nicholas also considers electricity a vital Farmers combine excellent agronomy with crop and Vine House Farm and a the latest technology to protect soils and the this wonderful spectacle neighbouring farm are home to eight wind environment while ensuring efficient and of wild swans each turbines which generate the equivalent sustainable production. amount of energy to power 9,000 homes year.” every year. The Fens contain many areas of particular Jon Reeves, RSPB Site Manager at the environmental significance and many are Ouse Washes Since 1982 Nicholas has kept detailed managed by farmers. The largest of these records of the birds that nest in Deeping areas is the Wash, which covers more than 6 The Wildlife Trusts, 2006 Fen and performs annual surveys for the British Trust for Ornithology. In 1993 he Case study: Salt Marsh Beef, King’s Lynn began to feed birds in a paddock near his farmyard. So many birds flocked to the paddock that he decided to stage an open day. Several visitors asked if they could buy bird seed at the farm to feed the birds. In response to this demand Nicholas began to grow and sell bird seed.

Today Vine House Farm sells around 1,000 tonnes of bird seed every year. Recently Nicholas has also built three nesting towers (pictured opposite) which Gavin Lane is the third generation of his brother, Benedict, rear cattle that during house barn owls as well as a variety of family to farm in the Fens. Together with the summer graze on the salt marsh of the other species including swallows and his wife Jane, Gavin farms 2,400 acres Wash. Grazing cattle on the salt marsh is even bees. Vine House Farm has won near King's Lynn and on the Wash. They incredibly important as it protects the many awards and Nicholas is the proud grow crops including garlic, wheat, oilseed habitat which attracts hundreds of recipient of the MBE for services to rape, sugar beet and peas. thousands of birds to feed in this area farming and conservation. every winter. Gavin and Jane are also members of the For more information visit higher level environmental stewardship For more information visit www.vinehousefarm.co.uk scheme and, in partnership with Gavin's www.saltmarshbeef.co.uk

11 Why farming in the Fens matters to climate change Climate change is the most significant environmental challenge facing the planet today. Farms offer a unique opportunity to increase energy generation from renewable sources, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and helping deliver regional objectives for renewable energy production.

Gedney Marsh Wind Farm at Red House Farm, Gedney Marsh Globally over seven billion tonnes of carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere every year. The accumulation of greenhouse gases fuels climate change and will lead to an increase in sea levels and an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

Biofuel research is essential to develop new, greener fuels and to secure a low carbon future. The Fens are home to the Arthur Rickwood Research Centre, where ADAS conducts renewable energy research, growing 40 acres of miscanthus Case Study: British Sugar and and willow coppice. Cornerways Nursery, Wissington Love them or loathe them, wind turbines provide another source of renewable energy. There are more than 80 wind turbines in the Fens, many sited on farmland. Altogether the wind turbines in the Fens generate enough energy annually to power 87,000 homes and prevent the release of more than 300,000 tonnes of

CO2 into the atmosphere.

Biomass is also put to good use in the Fens, where Sutton near Ely is home to the world’s largest straw fired power plant. It generates enough energy each year to power 21,000 homes. To keep it operational 200,000 tonnes of straw is sourced from surrounding farms, a highly sustainable source of energy.

The transport sector is responsible for 25% of carbon emissions in the UK. The Farmers in the Fens grow around one fifth all of the energy that it requires but also Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation is a of the sugar beet grown in England, a supplies 50Mw to the national grid. commitment by government to require 5% total of 1.4 million tonnes. British Sugar of road transport fuel to come from operates four factories, the largest of Hot water and CO2 are by-products of sustainable renewable sources by 20107. which is located in the Fens at Wissington. the power plant at the Wissington factory This obligation will be met in part by but both are put to good and blending biofuels such as bioethanol, At the height of the season, the factory in environmentally sound use. Hot water produced at British Sugar's Wissington Wissington employs 330 people and from the power plant is used to heat the factory, with conventional fossil fuels and processes up to 17,500 tonnes of sugar glasshouse of British Sugar’s subsidiary will result in a 2-3% reduction in carbon beet each day. company, Cornerways Nursery. The emissions. nursery is the largest glasshouse in the The majority of the sugar beet is used to UK dedicated to growing tomatoes and make sugar but the factory in Wissington each year produces 70 million tomatoes also produces 70 million litres of on 26 acres. bioethanol a year. Bioethanol is blended

with petrol to reduce the amount of CO2 produced by the power plant also carbon emitted by transport fuels and has a beneficial use. It is blown in to the helps to mitigate climate change. glasshouse where it boosts photosynthesis of the tomato plants and To increase the energy efficiency of the increases the yield of tomatoes. factory it is powered by its own highly 7 Energy white paper setting out the efficient combined heat and power plant, For more information visit government’s international and domestic which not only supplies the factory with www.britishsugar.co.uk energy strategy (2007) 13 Why farming in the Fens matters to tourism The Fens are a popular tourist destination attracting more than 15 million visitors a year, 5 million of whom are visiting the countryside for the day. Tourists, attracted to the Fens by breathtaking countryside, spend over £580 million per year and support 15,000 jobs in the Fens.

Narrow boat cruising on Well Creek. Courtesy of Cliff Carson Visitors are attracted to the Fens for many Throughout the year there are many different reasons. Farmland forms the colourful food and flower festivals attractive backdrop to spectacular influenced by farming and attracting churches and elegant Georgian town visitors from far and wide. These include houses which attract visitors to numerous the annual Spalding Flower Parade, historic market towns in the Fens, while attended by 80,000 people and magnificent draws comprising 15 or more floats decorated thousands of visitors from all over the with up to 500,000 locally grown tulips. world. For many the Fens’ greatest attraction is Waterways are an integral part of the the access they afford to amazing landscape. The is an countryside. Farmers manage and ambitious project which aims to connect protect many of the areas frequented over 150 miles of waterways which criss- by so many visitors and many have cross the Fens to the cathedral cities of also diversified their businesses to provide Ely, Peterborough and Lincoln. The Fens tourists with leisure activities and Waterways Link will entice even more accommodation such as bed and visitors to the Fens and out into the breakfast, self catering or caravan and countryside. camping sites.

“The waterways, Case Study: Woodhouse Farm Park, historic townscapes Friday Bridge near Wisbech and unique landscape of the Fens contribute to the quality of life and recreational opportunities for local people and visitors.” Baker, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Tourism

Sam and Kim Flint own Woodhouse Farm protecting the environment. Under the Park, a new farm attraction in the heart of higher level environmental stewardship the Fens. The farm park is set on the scheme dykes have been realigned to Flint’s traditional 250 acre farm at Friday provide varied habitats for wildlife. Bridge near Wisbech. Visitors are able to meet and learn about a wide variety of The farm’s dedicated classroom also traditional farmyard animals including attracts a large number of school groups cattle, pigs, turkeys, and goats. Children keen to experience practical lessons about can also enjoy an adventure playground farming and the environment. For a longer complete with giant slides and padded visit, self catering accommodation is also play areas, while the café serves a wide available in a newly converted farm barn. range of freshly prepared local food. Underpinning all of the work on the farm For more information visit and in the park is a commitment to www.woodhousefarmpark.co.uk

15 Why farming in the Fens matters to the community

Farmland defines the Case Study: Open Farm Sunday at nature of rural Thurlby Grange Farms, Thurlby landscapes and communities and nowhere is this truer than in the Fens, where beautiful open countryside surrounds historic market towns. More than 4,000 people attended the questions and provide extremely popular Farmland in the Fens is an important Open Farm Sunday event at Tony guided tractor tours. Farm machinery old part of the green infrastructure of both Reynolds’ Thurlby Grange Farms in June and new was on show as were farm 2007. The huge turnout demonstrates the Fens’ rural communities and the animals and many examples of different surrounding urban communities. As the amount of public interest there is in crops. There was also a farmers’ market the large urban areas surrounding the farming and the environment. The event which sold plenty of local produce. Fens, such as Peterborough and was organised by NFU members in and Cambridge, continue to grow the around Bourne and farmers were on countryside around them provides hand throughout the day to answer For more information visit www.leafuk.org increasingly important breathing places, which offer many opportunities Case Study: Moor Farm, Newborough for leisure and education.

Open Farm Sunday is an excellent opportunity to discover what happens on farms. For one day in June hundreds of participating farmers open their gates and welcome the public on to their farms. The increasingly popular annual event is organised by farmers and an organisation called Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF). Over 40 farms in the Fens opened their gates in 2007 and more than 15,000 people put on their wellies and headed for their nearest farm. Judith and Andrew Jacobs farm 500 acres To enhance the experience, Judith Many farms also provide the on Borough Fen in Newborough. The and Andrew have built an education opportunity for school groups to visit, Jacobs grow wheat, oilseed rape, sugar room complete with toilet and hand bridging the gap between people and beet and potatoes as well as keeping washing amenities, which is fully the food they eat. Participating farmers cattle and sheep and are members of the accessible to disabled people. Each are trained and accredited by the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. They year Judith’s hard work provides a Countryside Educational Visits are passionate about farming, the valuable and rewarding experience to Accreditation Scheme (CEVAS), environment and education and Judith more than 600 children from both ensuring a high quality farm experience regularly guides school groups around urban and rural communities. and that children are safe. Children their farm. Judith also participates in the benefit greatly from the experience Peterborough Greener Schools project For more information visit which is fun and complements their which promotes environmental awareness www.moor-farm.com class work with practical learning. in children from Peterborough. 16 “Coming from a farming family, I am acutely aware of the vital contribution agriculture makes to the wellbeing of our communities. Farming has always been at the heart of life in the Fens.” Dr Anthony Russell, Bishop of Ely and President of the East of England Agricultural Society

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