Stourton Estates marks 100 years of farming

Taking place at Stourton Woods, near Baumber the free event gave visitors the chance to explore the estate, learn how farming has changed over the last century and discover how modern farming works alongside nature today.

The event formed part of the national Open Farm Sunday initiative organised by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), which encourages farmers across the country to connect the public with the realities of modern food production, environmental stewardship and rural life.

Visitors enjoyed a packed day of activities, demonstrations and local produce, including free tractor and trailer farm tours, displays of modern machinery, forestry demonstrations and countryside activities, farmers market traders and local rural businesses, children’s activities and plenty of local hot food.

Also on display was a series of boards charting the history of Stourton Hall, the estate and farming at Stourton from 1926 to today. Using historic documents, the display told the story of how farming has evolved across four generations of the Strawson family.

Antony Strawson, fourth generation custodian of Stourton Estates says: “For 100 years, across four generations, the Strawson family have adapted with the land at Stourton. Open Farm Sunday gives us the opportunity to share how farming has changed over the last century, while also giving visitors the chance to enjoy the estate and better understand the important role farming plays in the countryside, wildlife, food production and local communities.”