North Yorkshire Farm Park scoops National Award |
Thornton Hall Farm Country Park near Skipton in North Yorkshire has won the National Farm Attraction of the Year Award.
Owners John and Sandra Harrison beat off competition from farm parks across the country to win the category for farms with under 20,000 visitors per year.
The farm, which welcomes over 8,000 school children every year, was assessed on aspects including standard of visitor facilities, customer service, innovation, cleanliness and animal welfare.
John and Sandra are passionate about sharing their lifetime knowledge of farming with school groups.
“Helping children to understand about food, farming and caring for the environment is the most rewarding part of my job”, explains Sandra. “For example, at this time of year lambing is an everyday part of the job for us, but for many children, it’s an amazing and inspirational experience. Even in winter, there is so much to discover here – explaining to children that a pile of wood is actually home to hundreds of insects is a real privilege.”
As well as purpose build viewing galleries and excellent educational facilities, the farm has a huge play barn incorporating a straw maze, ride-on tractors and an 18 foot high slide which is always hit with children (and quite often with teachers!).
John puts their success down to combination of factors. “We provide a safe, fun learning environment in spotlessly clean surroundings”, he enthuses. “There are always new arrivals at the farm and even the land is constantly evolving. It’s because there’s always something new to investigate that no two school trips are ever the same.”
For further information about Thornton Hall Farm Country Park visit www.thorntonhallcountrypark.co.uk or telephone John and Sandra on 01282 841148.
Back to Newsletter Front Page |
