Farm animals, wood working, traditional crafts and foraging off the land are among the attractions on offer when a community farm opens their gates to the public this weekend.

The Children’s Centre’s community farm is to hold an action-packed autumn open day today (Saturday).

This event is the general public’s best chance to experience the charity farm on the Old Castletown Road near Port Soderick, which as its ’day job’ delivers programmes for young and vulnerable people.

Workshops include wood carving with artist Gavin Carter, and wool working with gifted spinners Susan Quilliam and Annie Eastham.

Food For Free’s John Faragher will be making wild mint teas, and there will be the chance to get hands-on in the gardens and vegetable plots with green-fingered maestro Adrian Untisz.

Visitors can also meet the farm’s resident animal population, including pigs, goats, donkeys, sheep, hens, rabbits and guinea pigs and wander up to the farm’s nature reserve where the Hedgehog Preservation Society will once again take up residence in the famous hobbit house.

There will also be games, facepainting, a log-sawing competition and some classic restored tractors on display. Hot drinks will be served up by volunteers from the WI, and there will be exotic hot food available from Taste of Africa.

’The open days are great fun and a chance to share the farm with the wider community,’ said farm team leader Lee Brooks.

’Last time more than 1,000 people turned up. So we are well-prepared if there’s a big turnout this time too.

’Entry is free, though any donations are hugely welcome and keep the project going.’

The farm gates will open at 10.30am until 4pm. Parking is at nearby Kewagiue Primary School, and the Children’s Centre will have child and pram-friendly minibuses running all through the day.

Wheelchair users are welcome to park at The Community Farm itself.

For more info contact 431617 or [email protected]