Credit: James Beck
Great Chalfield Opens Its Gates for Open Farm Sunday
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and the National Trust are inviting visitors to discover how the land is being cared for and managed at Great Chalfield Manor as part of the national Open Farm Sunday initiative happening across the UK on 7 June 2026. The event offers a unique opportunity for the public to explore how the farm is being managed in ways that support both food and nature that Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and the National Trust have been delivering through the new partnership at Great Chalfield. The event shares some of the ways the farm is evolving to support wildlife alongside food production.
Visitors can look forward to hands-on activities and guided experiences designed for all ages including sheep shearing demonstrations, providing a first-hand look at traditional farm skills. For the curious (young and old!) can join guided expeditions to learn about the farm’s soil by digging small pits. These sessions will delve into the hidden world beneath our feet, exploring soil structure and worm counts to explain how healthy ground supports a thriving ecosystem. There will also be guided tours to look at the wetland restoration work that has been delivered at Great Chalfield helping water move more naturally through the landscape.
The Cowshed Classroom will display information that details the history of the Great Chalfield landscape and how the farm is changing over time. Within this space, visitors can conduct slake tests to demonstrate how different soil types manage water. This practical demonstration highlights the importance of nature-based solutions in preventing runoff and local flooding, showing how nature-friendly approaches can help wider community resilience. There will also be information on the local insects and other buglife at Great Chalfield h ways to get involved, from volunteering to future events.
Great Chalfield is a place where we’re exploring how farming and nature can thrive side by side. This event is a wonderful chance for the community to see how healthy soil and thoughtful land management don't just benefit the farm but can make a real difference for wildlife, water, and the wider landscape."Director of Nature Recovery for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
The event will run from 11am until 4pm and visitors are encouraged to sign up on arrival to join the various guided tours and soil expeditions scheduled throughout the day. Learn more about the event here https://www.wiltshirewildlife.org/events/2026-06-07-open-farm-sunday-great-chalfield.