Joint Ploughing Match takes place on Sopley Field on Druitt Lane in aid of Fortune Centre for Riding Therapy.

A TRADITIONAL New Forest ploughing match will see farmers and agricultural workers go head to head at Sopley next weekend

Taking place at Sopley Field on Druitt Lane, this year the popular event will raise money for the Fortune Centre for Riding Therapy. The event is made possible with kind permission from Lord Manners.

The ploughing match did not go ahead last year because a suitable site could not be found. This year’s event is the 62nd joint ploughing match organised by Lymington Growmore Club, South Avon and Stour Agricultural Society and the Young Farmers clubs of Brockenhurst, Avon and Beaulieu.

Joint plough match secretary Tania Niccolls said: “Originally this age old annual tradition was set up for the local farming employees to show off their skills. It is now enjoyed by the club members and also ploughmen from other counties including the Isle of Wight, who have made the farming practice into a hobby.

“Ploughing starts at 8.30am and is open to the public. There will be several ploughmen working plots at the same time, competing against each other.”

Tania added: “Refreshments will be available and there will be tractor and trailer rides around the site.”

Admission is free, with donations to the Fortune Centre for Riding Therapy.

The Joint Ploughing Match will take place on Saturday 4th October at Sopley Field, Druitt Lane, Sopley, BH23 7AZ. (what3words location: wants.berated.sprinter)