Safety around the farmyard and gardens

Farms are working environments and people will be carrying out their daily tasks using tools, machinery and chemicals. 

• People, animals and equipment may spread microorganisms around the farm.You must not eat food or drinks, suck fingers, pencils or crayons or put anything in or around your mouths whilst on the farmyard.

• There are dedicated areas for eating and drinking on the farm and in the park after hand washing. Eating and drinking is not permitted in other areas.

• If you have cuts or grazes on your hands these should be covered with a waterproof dressing for the duration of your visit.

• Tools and equipment can be dangerous and must not be picked up unless part of a supervised activity.

• People should not climb on walls, fences, benches, straw bales or machinery.

• Surfaces may be wet, uneven or slippery and you are reminded to take care and not to run.

• The farm has vehicle access please take care around stationary and moving vehicles which may be loading.

Safety around the farm animals

All the animals on the farm are tame and used to people however sudden movements and loud noises can easily startle them and cause them to panic and behave dangerously.  If handled or approached incorrectly animals may react by struggling to get free, biting, scratching, pecking or butting.

• Please approach animals quietly and with caution especially at feeding time and when they are eating or sleeping.

• Large animals are heavy and can move quickly always ensure you are able to move away unimpeded.

• Pens, fenced fields and cages allow you and your children to get close to the animals safely please do not open any gates or doors.

• Sometimes staff may be available and allow visitors to get closer and handle animals safely with supervision from the trained farm staff that know the animals well.

Farm microbes and pathogens

Soil and all animals naturally carry a range of microorganisms, some of which can be transmitted to people and a very few of these (including E-coli 0157, salmonella and Cryptosporidium) can cause serious infections.  These can be avoided by following a few simple precautions.

• Everyone must wash their hands after contact with the animals, before eating or handling food, before using the toilet, after removing boots, before leaving the farm and before entering the eating areas.

• People should not kiss the animals or put their faces to them.

• If you or your child show signs of skin irritation, sickness or diarrhoea after a visit, please visit a doctor and explain that the patient has had recent contact with farm animals.