A FASCINATING talk about the role of farming in the past, present and future of a village south of Petersfield will take place this week.

Colin Hedley will head a Local Farming: Past, Present and Future talk from 7.30pm this Wednesday (April 10) in Buriton Village Hall.

Guests will be greeted by dozens of old photographs from the last century and beyond, showing how farming has changed in the area.

They will learn more about the scale of cattle and sheep farming locally and the migration that came with hay-making, harvest time and hop-picking seasons.

Mr Hedley, who facilitates the South Downs Farmers Group, will bring things up to date with an insight into new practices and priorities, and will explain how farming is playing an increasingly important role in delivering environmental and health benefits.

Fellow members of his group are all motivated by a deep respect for the landscape of the South Downs – and they have a shared passion to farm in a way which delivers public benefits, including high quality, affordable food, as well as protecting resources and enhancing the natural environment and wildlife.

Admission is free with a retiring collection, all welcome.