Strawberries were the biggest attraction at the LEAF (Linking the Environment And Farming) Tiptree Open Farm Sunday event yesterday when more than 2,000 people from the village and as far away as Canada visited Wilkin & Sons' farm. The tractor with trailer and Lodge's traditional coaches took people across the farm to the strawberry fields to see the different methods of strawberry growing. Later there was an opportunity for visitors to taste different varieties of fresh strawberries or enjoy strawberry jam with a cream tea on the amazing Tiptree Double Decker Bus.
There were attractions to suit everyone one in the family from youngsters climbing into the Tiptree lorry or exploring the Essex Rural Police car; to those keen to learn about compost from James Water or visiting birds from the RSPB; the Stow Maries flight simulator proved very popular with a constant queue eager to experience the ride; and there was lots to eat and taste thanks to the Tiptree teams and Millins of Tiptree.
Open Farm Sunday is a national event; “It is a great opportunity share our story about how and why we farm the way we do,” said Chris Newenham joint managing director of Wilkin & Sons. It is a chance for visitors to interact with farmers and the farming community across the country.
