Wayside Farm in Kings Langley has been under the ownership of Hertfordshire County Council since it was purchased in 1919 to provide work for returning servicemen.
Charlie Wray, dubbed “everyone’s favourite farmer”, has been running the farm for the last 45 years, and decided to mark the occasion with family and friends on Sunday, June 1.
The group were also celebrating the return of a full range of goods available at the Farm Shop, including raw milk.
Charlie reflected that running the farm is one of the best jobs in the world, but also highlighted a problem some visitors to the farm have been causing.
He said: “We are always delighted to welcome anyone who wants to see our dairy cows, enjoy a walk in the countryside, or visit us to see what new goodies the Farm Shop is stocking, but we do need everyone to stay on marked paths, with any dogs on a lead, to protect our crops and animals.”
A “small minority” of people are walking through the fields rather than sticking to the paths, killing the crops which are the winter feed for the cattle.
Charlie added: “It is so frustrating when there plenty of footpaths, mostly separated by fencing from the fields. The gates are for farm workers, not for general access or to provide a shortcut. Come and see us, but please don’t make things more difficult for this to be a working farm for another 100 years.”
Photo: Wayside Farm
I worked in Occupational Therapy and I am a great believer in Green Therapy. Grew up on a farm!