A RURAL hero from Harpenden will fling his farm gates open to the public next weekend.

Ian Pigott, who lives and works in Thrales End Farm, is once again taking part in the annual Open Farm Sunday, a national event for which farmers up and down the country invite their neighbours to get a behind-the-scenes look at life on a working farm.

Ian, who was crowned Countryside Alliance’s Rural Hero last year, is dedicated to reconnecting consumers with the food they eat. He is encouraging everyone to come along to next Sunday’s free event at Annables Farm to meet the farm animals, scramble over farm machines and take tractor and trailer rides.

The event, which kicks off at 11am and last until 3pm, will also give visitors the opportunity to quiz local farmers about where their meat and cereals come from and for those who don’t take their own picnic, Farmer’s Weekly Beef Farmer of the Year 2008 finalist Bridget Borlase, a local livestock producer, will be grilling meats from her Bridget B’s Traditional Meats range.

Ian, whose family has been farming in Kinsbourne Green for over 100 years, said: “This is a great day out and it’s free! Not only can you be educated while having a good time, there’s also fresh air, wide open space, real animals to look at, games to play and arts and crafts for the little ones.”

Open Farm Sunday, which celebrates its fifth year this month, is organised by the charity LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) and last year more than 440 farms opened their gates to over 120,000 members of the public. To find out more about Open Farm Sunday and for directions to Annables Farm on Common Lane, visit www.farmsunday.org