Visitors are invited to farms across the UK for 'OPEN FARM SUNDAY' for a fabulous family day out this weekend....
The English Apple Man encourages families to visit and enjoy farming hospitality at OPEN FARM SUNDAY 2016.......
Click on OPEN FARM SUNDAY 2016 for a comprehensive list of all the farms taking part in Open Farm Sunday 2016.......
Open Farm Sunday, managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), is one of the farming industry's biggest success stories. Since the first Open Farm Sunday in 2006, over 1000 farmers across the UK have opened their gates and welcomed people onto their farm for one Sunday each year. It is a fantastic opportunity for everyone, young and old, to discover at first hand what it means to be a farmer and the fabulous work they do producing our food and managing the countryside.
Visit a farm on Open Farm Sunday on 5th June 2016 and discover the world of farming. Find out about the story behind our food and how farming affects our everyday lives.
Each Open Farm Sunday event is unique. Activities range from machinery displays, tractor and trailer rides, through to demonstrations, nature walks and more!
The English Apple Man encourages visitors to visit an 'Open Farm Sunday' at one of the many farms open all over the UK and introduces two 'Open Farm Sunday farms belonging to my good friends!
Chandler & Dunn - Open Farm Sunday
The Chandler & Dunn families farm in East Kent and a message below from Charlie Dunn invites visitors to the farm this weekend....
"Morning all, our farm is opening the gates on Sunday 5th of June this year for "open farm Sunday 2016" .
Loads of activities and all free (apart from food and drinks but we have a Picnic area if you'd like to bring your own ) kids will love it!
To view 'what's on' at Chandler & Dunn - click on; OPEN FARM SUNDAY @ Chandler & Dunn
Click on Chandler & Dunn to view a recent English Apple Man visit to the farm..........
The Barnyard
The Barnyard is one of several farms owned by Clive Goatham and his family and Gore Farm is a superb situation in North Kent with many attractions....Nikola Caney sends a message to families looking for a wonderful day out next weekend......
"We are opening the Barn Yard at Gore Farm for Open Farm Sunday on the 5th June and this event is aimed at making the public aware of the fabulous work farmers do to produce food and manage the countryside.
To make this event a success we are having children's games and attractions, a farmers market , farm machinery displays, and various other things to do at the Barn Yard..........
To view 'what's on' @ The Barnyard - click on; OPEN FARM DAY @ The Barnyard
Click on Gore Farm to view a visit by The English Apple Man to Gore Farm........
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The 2015/16 UK dessert apple season is nearly over, but there are still a few samples to be found...
Below: A 4 pack of Gala
Below: The English Apple Man took a bite from this Gala apple and found it to be crisp and very juicy...
As we ponder over the probability of the crop potential for this 2016 season, The English Apple Man found English apples still available in Supermarkets. In Sainsburys Gala were on display in four formats; Flow wrap pack of 4 Gala @ £1.75 - Loose Gala @ £2 kg - Polybag Gala and Basics @ 80p for 12 small Gala - Bramley cooking apples @ £1.50 for 4 apples and Loose Bramley @ £1.75 kg.
The Gala on display was grown by two of the UK's largest growers - Paul Mansfield & Clive Goatham, both benefiting from investment in the latest storage technology.
The quality of these Gala 8 months after harvest is testament to excellent husbandry and cutting edge storage technology.
Prospects for 2016....
The prospects for the new season are still unclear; apple growers have for generations held the view that it is wise to keep out of the orchards until after Derby Day. Certainly it is around that time that fruit became more visible on the larger trees of 'days in a bygone era' - however although the modern trees are much smaller with a clearer view into the tree, it is still an uncertain picture in 2016 - the consensus at the moment is of variability within orchards and by variety.
That is all for this week....The English Apple Man has a very busy schedule next week....so, not sure which subject will be in next week's Journal....
Take care
The English Apple Man