21st May 2025
Families, food lovers, nature enthusiasts and curious minds of all ages are invited to Lopemede Farm on Sunday 8th June, for its very first Open Farm Sunday — a free event offering a chance to explore life on a working farm.
From tractor rides to local food, live music and wildlife activities, the event promises a joyful day out for families and a deeper understanding of where our food comes from — and how the way we farm affects everything from birdlife to the health of our rivers.
"It's about helping people feel connected to where their food comes from," said Eddie Rixon, fourth-generation farmer at Lopemede Farm. "We want to show how farming can work with nature, not against it. This farm has supported four generations of my family, and now we're looking ahead to the next 30 years – building a model that supports wildlife, protects the river, and remains a thriving business for our community."
At Lopemede Farm, Eddie is implementing an ambitious thirty-year plan to transition his 200-hectare farm into an agroecological model that works in harmony with nature. The farm stretches down to the banks of the River Thame, where its wet grassland meadows provide vital habitat for a variety of wetland bird species, such as Lapwing and Curlew. Eddie is committed to restoring species-rich grassland, planting trees and hedgerows, and managing floodplain meadows in ways that benefit both wildlife and livestock.
Lopemede Farm is an active member of the Thame Catchment Farm Cluster, a growing network of farmers dedicated to restoring nature and adopting sustainable farming practices. The Cluster, facilitated by the River Thame Conservation Trust (RTCT), champions regenerative methods, habitat restoration, and stronger community connections to build a future where both nature and farming can thrive side by side.
In 2023, River Thame Conservation Trust (RTCT) and the Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment supported the restoration of over 16 hectares of Floodplain Wetland Mosaic habitat at Lopemede, including new wetland features and the spreading of 'green hay' from a local nature reserve to re-establish wildflower meadows.
Hilary Phillips, facilitator of the Thame Catchment Farm Cluster at RTCT, explained how Lopemede is part of a bigger movement in the area. "Through our SusThame project, we're working with farmers across the catchment to transition to practices that benefit the environment and farming businesses alike," she said. "It's about building a community of local farm businesses that promote clean water, healthy soils and thriving wildlife — all supported by a community that values the environment and the farmers who care for it."
This agro-ecological approach to farming not only supports biodiversity but also strengthens the connection between people and the land we all rely on. Open Farm Sunday provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience these practices firsthand, learn about the challenges and rewards of sustainable farming, and gain a greater appreciation for the local countryside that sustains both wildlife and communities.
"Events like Open Farm Sunday are a brilliant way for people to see what's changing in farming — and why it matters," added Hilary. "We hope people leave with muddy boots, happy kids, and a deeper understanding of the countryside they call home."
Event Details
Lopemede Farm, Thame OX9 3SH
Sunday 8th June | 10am–3pm
Free entry | All welcome
For more information, visit Lopemede Farm, OX93SH - Open Farm Sunday or find Lopemede Farm on Instagram and Facebook.
