I know a lot of farmers who are very wary of "the public". Often farmers feel that they have had a hard time from the press - (I think Edwina Currie started it all!) But whatever it was, in my experience many tend to believe that the press and public opinion is against them.
Many rally against organisations such as the RSPB and the CPRE, and often the farmer has really valuable points to make about conservation, community and balance. However, partly because farmers like farming, partly because they are physically isolated, and for many other reasons in lots of cases they have tended to shy away from the discussions about skylarks, or badgers, or whatever the hot topic is. Once there is no dialogue the tendency is to think that "everyone out there" thinks the same. They dont, and even if they do often they can be swayed.
This is why its such a revelation to reconnect with people and join in with their conversations. Often there's amazement from the farmer when he opens up the farm gate to visitors, or goes into a school to speak, or produces a podcast (!) and blog. Why? Because a lot of the problem is just the fact that we've all lost touch with each other.
Social media can help communities touch base without leaving home or putting a mega effort into tidying up the farm (!) Dont let that stop you coming next year! Check out Farm Sunday organised by LEAF
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