Most teachers I know have a bit of a superpower: they’re always on the lookout. Not just for misplaced homework or unreturned glue sticks—but for anything that could bring a lesson to life. A local mural becomes a conversation about public health. A delayed train? A quick case study on transport logistics. So it’s no surprise that Open Farm Sunday should be firmly on your radar—especially if you teach science, geography, food, or anything remotely to do with the world outside your classroom walls.
I’ve been aware of Open Farm Sunday for a while—thank you, The Archers—but last year I finally went along to one near me. And honestly? It was brilliant. Yes, it was a lovely family day out with sheep, sunshine, and possibly a little too much fudge… but I also came away with a rucksack full of teaching ideas and local contacts.
Among the highlights:
- A farmer involved in pulse crop research through the British On-Farm Innovation Network (yes, that’s BOFIN—excellent acronym work).
- An alpaca keeper offering animal-walking experiences—cue instant hook for animal husbandry.
- And three sheep fleeces now happily suppressing weeds in my garden
It’s easy to forget that farming isn’t just something “out there in the countryside”—it’s local, it’s science, it’s economics, and it’s climate. Visiting an open farm helps us put the theory into real-world context, which, in turn, helps our students see why it all matters. Plus, there’s always the chance of meeting someone who’ll bring a tractor to school. You never know.
So, whether you’re after curriculum links, local food producers, or just a reason to get outside and pet a goat, head over to the LEAF Education site and find a farm near you: https://farmsunday.org/
Go on. Get it in the diary. Your students—and possibly your garden—will thank you.