Today we left the city of London behind for a very welcome trip into the
countryside. Our first stop was at Willow Farm which is an unusual but very
dynamic business. Willow Farm is about 15 miles from London but still has a
population of approx. 4 million people living within a 30 min drive. This farm is
about 1800 acres and still runs a cropping program but the majority of income is
earned from an open farm concept which is targeted at young families and school
groups. Urban kids get the opportunity to see livestock up close, participate in
vegetable growing and harvesting as well as play in a playground and large indoor
fun centre. My observation was that not only were the kids having heaps of fun
but so too were the parents. This open day attracts around 500,000 visitors a
year with as many as 2000 –3000 a day at busy times.
This business also utilizes farm buildings and vacant land by leasing to
other business to run their enterprises from this farm. There were about 70
lease agreements from a range of diverse businesses like a private
school, machinery dealer, composting refuse, model airplane club, horse and dog
clubs etc. etc..
Later we visited another farmer and were able to stroll around the farm with
him, looking at his farming operation and discussing farming/environmental
programs he was involved in. I was surprized to learn that badgers which have had
a population explosion and are protected, are a major contributor to the cattle
T.B. problem in the U.K. The U.K. farmers in the group seemed very respectful of
the badgers living on their farms and I didn't sense any desire from them to
reduce numbers. In fact I gave a high score for the farmer's environmental program
which included bird boxes in many large trees and monitoring bird populations,
planting of windbreak hedges for habitat, control of traffic movement and run of
educational days where members of local village are welcomed out to learn about
the farm. Also learnt that this farmer has had ancient roman foundations for
temples discovered on his farm which date back about 2000 years.
Here's a photo of myself, James Walker (livestock producer from Longreach Qld) and Bryce Riddell (cropping & fodder from Yarrawonga Vic)
Here's a photo of myself, James Walker (livestock producer from Longreach Qld) and Bryce Riddell (cropping & fodder from Yarrawonga Vic)
Headed back to London for our last night before flying out to Washington D.C.
tomorrow.
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