HUNDREDS of people visited two farms near Wareham at the weekend, as part of the nationwide 'Open Farm Sunday' initiative.

Middlebere and Hartlands farms opened their gates to offer visitors an opportunity to find out more about where their food comes from - and for a chance to meet those who produce it.

The event was held by the National Trust and Natural England, and supported by the organisation LEAF - Linking Environment and Farming. LEAF works with farmers, the food industry, scientists and consumers and has co-ordinated Open Farm Sunday since it began in 2006.

A spokesman explained: "Open Farm Sunday gave visitors the chance to see for themselves the work that farmers do to produce the best quality food for our tables, and what measures they take to look after the countryside and manage wildlife habitats.

"The farmer, grazier and conservation organisations that look after the farms and surrounding Hartland Moor National Nature Reserve were on hand to chat about farming and how it fits with wildlife conservation in such a special place."

The Salt Pig, from Wareham, sold locally-sourced food and drink, alongside other Dorset food and drink producers Purbeck Ice-cream and Sam's Fudge.