Royalty marks 20 years of Open Farm Sunday at Waitrose farm

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Open Farm Sunday, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Waitrose Farm at the Leckford Estate, Hampshire, to lend a hand with preparations.

The annual event, led by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), invites the public onto farms across the UK to learn more about food production, sustainable farming, and the work behind the food on their plates.

The Duchess, who serves as LEAF’s honorary president, took part in setting up the event, including helping to assemble a hay bale maze and hanging welcome banners.

Open Farm Sunday's 20th anniversary (Image: LEAF)

Philip Wynn, chairman of LEAF, said: "We are incredibly grateful to The Duchess of Edinburgh for helping us show our appreciation for the farmers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who make Open Farm Sunday possible.

"For 20 years, the industry’s annual open day has helped bring people closer to farming, food production, and the countryside."

During the visit, the duchess met senior Waitrose and LEAF staff, including Waitrose managing director Tom Denyard, as well as 20 host farmers involved in this year’s Open Farm Sunday.

Mr Wynn said: "It is the dedication of host farmers across the UK who welcome their communities and share their stories that has made it such a trusted and much-loved national event.

"Her Royal Highness is an ardent advocate for sustainable food production, rural communities, and educating young people about the countryside and careers within it."

The Duchess also joined in hands-on activities, including building bug hotels, worm charming, and sweep netting in wildflower meadows to learn more about the insects and pollinators critical to food production.

Open Farm Sunday's 20th anniversary (Image: LEAF)

Mr Denyard said: "We were delighted to host Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh at the Waitrose farm to mark the 20th anniversary of Open Farm Sunday.

"It was a great occasion to pay tribute to the thousands of people in farming communities whose hard work makes Open Farm Sunday the tremendous success it is today."

The event also included the presentation of a special award to East Anglian farmer Michael Sly, who has hosted Open Farm Sunday events every year since it began.

Mr Sly’s visitor numbers have grown from just 12 in the first year to more than 12,000 in 2025.

Since its launch in 2006, Open Farm Sunday has welcomed over 3.5 million visitors onto working farms across the UK.

Visit the Open Farm Sunday website to find an event in your local area on 7 June.