This year our annual Open Farm Sunday was held on the 28th June at Titch Hill Farm in Sompting, kindly hosted by Mike Tristram, Mark and Natalie Heritage.
Titch Hill is a 900ac mixed farm, half is arable and half is pasture for livestock. The farm practices regenerative farming to look after their soil. There is a rotation of arable crops with cover crops and with herbal leys to rest and revitalise the ground. The farm also has vineyards as part of their diversifications. This part of the business is organic and was first planted in 2019.
On the day the yard was packed with activity! We had a fantastic sheep shearing display, freshly hatched chicks to see, cows and lambs and a live combine auction. Two brilliant young farmer groups came along, Steyning and Chichester, who helped manage the day as well as running activities for the public.
We had local burgers available, cakes and coffees as well as local honey and of course the farm’s own wine! There was local ice-cream, milkshakes and lots of fun farm based activities for the kids.
The tractor and trailer rides were as popular as ever and visitors toured the farm learning from ourt members and taking in the incredible scenery across the South downs and out to sea.
The South Downs National Park Authority were running a BiopBlitz, showing visitors what we could find in habitats around farmland. The Arun to Adur stand was busy with lots of interesting questions and conversations with the public on what we do as a group and the challenges we face as farmers.
S. Woodley Crop Services and Southern Water were both showcasing what is happening to protect our soils, wildlife and water quality. There was also lots of kit to look at and even a drone!
Thank you everyone who helped and supported the day, we really do appreciate your help to showcase our group and British farming at it’s best!
