OPEN farm Sunday takes place on June 17, when hundreds of farms across the UK will be opening their gates to allow the public to see what they do.

Locally, Hopes Ash Farm in Hope Mansell – near Ross on Wye - will be open from 10.30am to 4.30pm, when visitors will be able to see a farm trail which highlights their wildlife conservation policies. There are also opportunities to meet with the dairy cows, and to see them being milked – they say by robots.

They have also set up a Play Barn where children can enjoy a bale climbing frame, a sand pit, and face painting. For older visitors refreshments and cakes will be available all day, plus there is cider to taste, and burgers made from home-reared beef will be available at lunchtime.

They are donating all proceeds from refreshment sales to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Robert Davies of Hopes Ash Farm said: "My family and I are really looking forward to welcoming visitors to our farm on Sunday 17th June, so people can enjoy a free day out and discover for themselves the story behind their food."

Other local farms who are participating in Open Farm Sunday include Crooked End Farm in Ruardean, and Lower Buckholt Farm, Manson Lane, Monmouth.

Several farms in Herefordshire have also signed up to the scheme, including Mabley Farm in Fownhope, Noggin Farm in Much Marcle, and H. Westons of Ledbury. The farms offer different facilities and attractions on the day, and full details can be found at http://www.farmsunday.org">www.farmsunday.org