FAMILIES from the Wellington area are being invited to visit a local Christmas tree farm as part of Open Farm Sunday.

Langford Lakes tree farm is taking part in the event, the farming industry’s national open day, on Sunday, June 9, from 11am-4pm.

Reg Hendy, from the tree farm at Middle Hill Farm in Langford Budville, said: “We’re delighted to be taking part and supporting Open Farm Sunday for the third time this year.

“We are inviting people to come along and take the opportunity to walk our Christmas tree plantations and see the trees mid-growth when they are a pale green colour.

“Visitors will be able to stroll through our woods and bring a picnic to enjoy by our lakes.

“There will be a free activity trail and hands-on craft activities for children, and we’re also hosting a craft fair. Local crafters will be selling their hand-made wares during the day.

“Refreshments including cake, biscuits, juice, tea and coffee will be on offer in return for a donation to our charity of the year, Children’s Hospice South West, and we will also be hosting a raffle on its behalf.

@Our team will also be on hand during the day to answer any questions people might have about our farm.”

Representatives from Somerset Wildlife Trust, a conservation charity which stands up for wildlife in Somerset, will also be in attendance during the day.

People who attend will also be able to take free Christmas tree mulch away with them to use on their own gardens. Mulch helps soil retain moisture and suppress weeds. People are asked to take a container or bag to pop their mulch into to take away.

Reg added: “Open Farm Sunday is a fantastic opportunity for everyone, young and old, to discover first-hand what it takes to run our Christmas tree farm.”

Open Farm Sunday, managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), is one of the farming industry’s biggest success stories. Since the first Open Farm Sunday in 2006, more than 1,600 farmers across the UK have opened their gates and welcomed two million people onto their farm for one Sunday each year.

Reg added: “We’re based on 40 acres and a woodland runs the length of the plantations, either side of a stream. This area is home to a multitude of plants and wildlife, in particular rare lesser spotted orchids, deer and occasionally otters.

“People who visit us on Open Farm Sunday will be able to find out all about how we farm Christmas trees and also how we help and attract wildlife to the farm.”