Farm couple open gates to the public

Michael and Shirley Clarke, of Williamwood Farm near Brydekirk, will be participating in Open Farm Sunday once again next Sunday.
Hoping farming enthusiasts and townspeople alike attend the event, which will run from 1 pm to 5 pm, Michael said: “This is a great opportunity to see behind the scenes of a wildlife-friendly farm which won an RSPB nature award in 2013. There are also sure to be plenty of great photo opportunities too.”
And he is advising people to wear appropriate footwear and to bring along weather-related clothing as they listen to the birds, soak up the scenery and experience the sights, sounds and smells of the farmyard.
Entry will be by donation to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, and the Royal Bank of Scotland has pledged to match-fund all monies raised on the day.
Other attractions are set to include farm tours, conservation groups such as the RSPB, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the River Annan Trust, Dumfries and Galloway Bat Group, Red Squirrel Survival, Butterfly Conservation Scotland and Plantlife as well as the chance to get up close to Highland cattle.
Meanwhile, Michael has also announced that they will be planting a WWI wood on the farm in association with the Woodland Trust this November.Anyone interested in planting a tree in memory of someone who fought in the war can register their interest at the open day.