VEGETABLE farmers Richard and Ruth Kelsey are throwing open the gates to their farm on Sunday June 12 as part of 'Open Farm Sunday'.

Richard and Ruth will welcome visitors to Hallwood Farm in Petrockstowe to offer them the opportunity to see where their vegetables come from, and explore the farm.

Richard and Ruth endeavour to save precious resources like water, and keep their wastage minimal. Vegetables not good enough for human consumption are fed to the pigs and sheep, dung is used on the vegetable fields as fertilizer and sheep are sent in to graze after cattle to improve grassland quality.

Visitors will be able to see and hear about these methods first hand from Richard and Ruth, who sell their vegetables at their Farm Shop in Red Lion Yard. There will also be a chance to learn about Ruby Red Devon cattle, rare breed pigs and Poll Dorset sheep.

There will be a self-guided tour around the 90 acre farm, which will offer an insight into the extensive conservation work the couple have done on the farm. Visitors can tour the new lake, protected water courses, rush pastures, and new wildlife corridor. Eagle-eyed visitors can keep an eye out for bird and bat boxes.

The farm is a member of LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), the organisers of Open Farm Sunday. The charity assists farmers and producers to manage their farms as efficiently and sustainably as possible.

Open Farm Sunday is an annual event that gives local people the chance to meet the farmers who grow their food and care for the countryside. The days are meant to offer insight into the working life of a farmer, and allow people to enjoy the countryside too.

The farm will be open from 11am to 3pm. Refreshments and barbecue will be available.