01/08/2011

Issued by Thorpe Hill Farm

A farm near Tockwith that has turned its back on modern farming methods will open its doors to the public at the weekend.

Thorpe Hill Farm, an open working heritage farm, will offer visitors an opportunity to experience farming as it used to be before the invention of the tractor.

It will also offer more modern attractions including a maize maze and quad bike rollercoaster to provide an innovative family day out and outdoor education venue for schools.

Farmer Steve Newlove, 31, of Thorpe Hill Farm, auctioned off all his modern equipment in June and has replaced it with vintage machinery that can be manually driven or pulled by his two pedigree Shire horses.

His story has been widely featured in the press and on TV and was the subject of a BBC Countryfile programme on Sunday (24th July).

The opening of the farm marks just the beginning of Thorpe Hill's journey.
It will now enter its second phase of development which is scheduled for completion in early 2012 and will include a cafe, shop, education suites and an indoor activity centre.

Gary Verity Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said: "This is a terrific project which is guaranteed to give visitors of all ages a taste of the countryside and of rural life. And as a sheep farmer myself, I believe this is an essential part of education. We are proud to support Thorpe Hill Farm and we believe it will be a fantastic addition to the wealth of attractions we have to offer visitors to Yorkshire."

Steve added: "The aim is to create a day out everyone can enjoy, whatever their age, and to welcome people to come and visit to share our journey as we turn back the clock and become a self-sufficient, open working farming using only horse-drawn and hand operated equipment."
Education is at the very heart of the Thorpe Hill project.

"This is going to be an educational venture that reaches out to all ages, from nursery children who want to come and see the baby lambs to adults who are keen to get their hands dirty and learn traditional skills," said Steve.

"Most people who live in the countryside today have moved here for lifestyle reasons and have no experience of farming and that's something I'd like to help change."
Plans are underway to create a number of training opportunities, from animal care courses and opportunities to become a farmer for a day to rural enterprise workshops and mentoring schemes.
The farm hopes to build strong links with local schools to provide outdoor learning and curriculum support as well as school visit days with a difference.
Set against the backdrop of the current RSPB, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and the Field Studies Council joint initiative to encourage outdoor learning in schools, an education centre is being built and hands-on learning activities will be organised in a bid to bring children out of the cities and into the countryside.

"This is an opportunity for children to absorb themselves in the natural surroundings of the countryside and gain an authentic insight into the rural way of life," Steve explained.
School bookings are already being taken for the 2011-12 academic year.

Thorpe Hill will officially open its doors on July 30th and will then open to the public daily from 10am until 7pm. As well as giving visitors a taste of rural life as it used to be, families can enjoy more up to date activities including a Maize Maze, Water Wars and a Quad Bike Rollercoaster.
To find out more visit www.thorpehillfarm.co.uk