Making our way past July (already?!), the summer weather is seemingly not just an attraction for visitors of the human kind, but bees and butterflies too. Due to the organic nature of the farm, over 70 different plant species have been recorded in the pastures – no wonder the minibeasts feel so at home here!
In fact, on a recent wander down the boardwalk – a section on our longest trail, Arthur’s – a little group of scarlet tiger moths were spotted. This large and rather beautiful day-flying moth is more widespread in southern England, so it is rarer to see it in this part of the country. You can help us keep a record of the biodiversity on site by reporting any exciting creatures you have spotted to our little citizen science project – www.fordhallfarm.com/naturespotting
There are exciting goings on with the larger creatures on the farm too – a very pregnant sow has been inhabiting one of the nursery pens. Just in time for the summer school holidays, there are now some tinies bounding around!
Summer holidays are always a bustly time on the farm, livestock shenanigans aside – and it looks like this one will be no exception. Following the sellout attendance last year, our adventure camps for 8-12 year-olds are back! Over three days, they can get involved with a plethora of outdoor activities, from outdoor cooking, to team building, to pond dipping and even an overnight campout in the woodlands. Camps are £120pp and must be pre-booked by calling 01630 638 696.
Outside of this event, our woodlands are also available to hire throughout the year for self-led camping residentials – perfect for uniformed community groups or D-of-E expeditions, and an exciting opportunity to connect with nature in our lovely woods. If these sound of interest to you, please visit www.fordhallfarm.com/education for more information.
We also have summer entertainment for the littler ones, in the form of our seasonal trail. Our trails are free to access, but if you want a little more entertainment along the way, trail packs can be picked up for £2.50 from the farm shop or café. These always contain a trail map and activity, a pencil and a sweet treat to enjoy when the activity has been completed. As always, picnickers and four legged friends on leads are welcome on our trails.
Whether you are a picnicker, camper or trail wanderer, we look forward to welcoming you to the farm this August!
Francesca Lant, Marketing and Communications Officer