Farming past and present will be on show when a Cambridgeshire farm opens its gates to the public.

Park Farm at Thorney near Peterborough is one of more than 60 farms across the region supporting Open Farm Sunday on 7 June, a national initiative organised by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) and supported by the NFU.

But the farm is going further by opening on the Saturday as well, putting vintage and modern farm machinery on show alongside information on farming in the Fens.

Farmer Michael Sly, the NFU’s council delegate for Cambridgeshire, has joined forces with other local farmers and organisations for the Open Farm Sunday and Vintage Weekend event.

“We started on a very small scale two years ago but we had 800 visitors to the farm last year and we hope to welcome even more this time,” he said.

“Farmers have a good story to tell, particularly in the Fens, where we farm the most productive farmland in Britain. Open Farm Sunday is a fantastic opportunity for us to explain what goes on and for people to have a great day out as well.”

The NFU is supporting the event with resources including children’s activity packs, grow your own salad seeds, and Fresh from the Fens recipe booklets.

Peterborough Farm Machinery Preservation Society is attending with heavy horses, steam traction engines, vintage tractors and cars and working displays.

Other attractions on the Sunday include a farm safari, bird watching with the RSPB, a livestock zone and hot and cold refreshments.

The farm is open from 10am to 4pm on both days and entry is free. For more information visit www.parkfarmthorney.co.uk

A full list of Open Farm Sunday events can be found on the website www.farmsunday.org where you can search for participating farms near you.

In Cambridgeshire these include:

College Farm, Grange Road, Duxford

College Farm is running a free open afternoon from 2pm to 5pm. There will be lots of free activities for the family including tractor and trailer rides, farm tours, bread making, build a scarecrow, farm walk, displays, activities and competitions. Refreshments will be available as well. Call 01223 839002 to find out more.

Fenrose Farm, Fen Bank, Isleham

This family-run livestock farm will be open from 12pm until 5.30pm. As well as walks to see the pigs and cattle, visitors can look at vintage and modern farm machinery, go on a nature walk, try pond dipping and enjoy the barbecue selling the farm’s own burgers and sausages. For more information call 01638 780994.

Glebe Farm, King's Ripton, Huntingdon
Glebe Farm is operating a tour around this organic farm, starting at 10am. It includes a short walk to see growing crops, farm machinery, the grain store, and its flour enterprise including milling shed, two stone mills and flour packing shed. Then it is back to the farmhouse kitchen to sample bread and cakes. Places on the tour are limited so it is essential to email office@glebe-flour.co.uk to book.