Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert visited Gaston Farm in Slindon on Thursday to see the lambing and to meet the owners of the farm.

Mr Herbert was welcomed by Gaston Farm’s owners, Darren and Danni Sercombe, and they were joined by Caroline Harriot, County Chairman of the National Farmers Union. Each Spring the farm opens its gates to the public to show lambs being born, offer tractor rides and demonstrate a working farm.

Gaston Farm is in its 12th year of open lambing and is rated ‘above best practice’ by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). A team of keen volunteers support the farm staff with the smooth running of the open days. A pop-up café offers refreshments.

The open days have been very popular with families, but also with schools seeking to extend the children’s learning. ‘Countryside classrooms’ help to connect children with food, farming and the natural environment.

Mr Herbert is no stranger to a lambing shed as his grandparents farmed sheep and beef cattle at Northiam in East Sussex.

Darren Sercombe said: “These open lambing days are important to us because we really want children to experience a working farm. Everyone should know where their food comes from. Our open days also benefit many of the local businesses from the extra visitors into the area.”

Mr Herbert said: “I enjoyed visiting Gaston Farm and it was good to see such a busy open day with so many families and children enjoying the lambing. I think it is vital for children to learn about farming and food production, not only in the classroom but through visits to working farms. I would like to see these visits more actively encouraged by schools and the authorities who have not always all been as supportive as they should be.”

Gaston Farm’s Open Lambing runs until Sunday 28 April 2019.

ENDS

Notes

1. Photograph – Nick Herbert with a day-old lamb at Gaston Farm.

2. To learn more about Gaston Farm’s Open Lambing days see www.gastonfarm.com.

MP visits lambing open day in Slindon