Animals lift our spirits — that much is clear.
Dog owners tend to be healthier and happier, and interacting with animals can have profound effects on people’s wellbeing. In the United States, a care home introduced cats, dogs and 100 birds for residents to care for, an initiative that revived engagement and improved quality of life for many. For some individuals, the companionship of animals can be life-changing. Beyond companionship, farm animals also play a crucial role in our food system, providing eggs, milk, cheese, meat and other products. Events that bring people of all ages onto farms help children and adults alike understand where food comes from and foster respect for the animals that produce it.
Scape Goat
A few months ago I noticed an advert on Twitter for Open Farm Sunday, the annual day when farms around the country open their gates for the public to meet the animals. Organized by LEAF, the event invites visitors into barns and fields to see livestock up close. I was excited but, as a single person, briefly wondered who I would take. Inviting a friend from town felt a little awkward — I didn’t want to feel like the odd one out.
What I needed was a child: an easy, natural companion to share the day and a perfect excuse for my own enthusiasm. My brother has a young daughter who loves animals, so we planned a visit together — ideal.
Down on the Farm
We chose JC Farm in Little Kingshill, Buckinghamshire. The event was very well run: clear signage, plenty of marshalled parking in a grassy field and a wide range of activities on site. A warm, sunny June day made everything more pleasant — comfortable enough to sit on the grass and relax, with just enough suncream to be sensible.
There was a tempting coffee stall advertising marshmallow-topped hot chocolate. I opted for salted caramel brownie and a black americano — a reminder that good food and coffee make public events more enjoyable. Nearby the bar offered beer, wine, spirits and cider for those who preferred something stronger.
The Animals
The animals were the main attraction. A barn had been set up as a supervised petting area where visitors could climb into enclosures and cuddle the residents. There were chicks of different ages, a variety of rare-breed hens and several rare-breed pigs lounging in hay. Friendly cows wandered near the viewing fences, eager to investigate hands, cameras and anything else close by.
An enclosure of rabbits and guinea pigs offered calm, cuddly encounters, and the sheep and goat pen was full of young animals enjoying attention from visitors. One goat in particular took a liking to me and stayed at my side the whole time — not after food, simply content to be near someone. It was an unexpectedly charming moment.
Elsewhere there were alert alpacas, a demonstration of owls and birds of prey showing aerial skill in the main arena, and a team of highly trained working dogs performing tight, impressive routines. The working dogs’ focus and responsiveness to their handlers was a highlight — a useful reminder of the skill behind everyday farm work.
For extra fun there was ferret racing, welly-throwing, a straw maze and a variety of stalls selling food, crafts and plants. Charities such as the RSPB were also present, offering information and activities for visitors.
Woofers
To end the day there was a dog show open to all entrants. I entered Bernard in a couple of categories and, to my delight, he won Best Male Dog. We walked away with a goodie bag and a proud rosette now pinned up on my noticeboard — a proper proud-dog-owner moment, even if Bernard didn’t quite understand the fuss.
The combination of warm weather, friendly animals, good food and engaging entertainment made the hours pass quickly. Before we knew it six hours had gone by; it was time to head home and rest. The day was such a success that I’ve already pencilled it into my diary for next year. Whether you have children or not, Open Farm Sunday is worth a visit — and if you don’t have a child to bring, you can always borrow one for the day.
And here are a few more images of the animals we enjoyed meeting that Sunday.
