Schools
Thank you for you interest in Caffyns Farm...
Our site is accredited by Defra to host visits from educational settings and other community groups for children & adults.
Since purchasing Caffyns Farm in 2011 we have aspired to develop the farm from a private agricultural holding to one that provides enjoyment & utility to visitors and the wider local community. Having evolved the farm under guiding principles of enhancing people's knowledge & appreciation for the countryside we see inviting schools & groups to the farm as another positive step in realising this intention.
The lambs are always a crowd favourite
About the farm
Situated in Exmoor National Park's AONB Caffyns Farm is a 160 acre site set in the stunning coastal landscape of North Devon. Mentioned in the Domesday Book Caffyns had been a private rural farm for hundreds of years before we have shifted it's focus in the past 10 years.
On a visit to the farm this is an idea of what you can expect to see:
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Goats - We have kept & bred a herd of Boer goats at the farm for 5+ years. These kid every year in April/May and visitors can view & interact with them.
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Sheep - We have an active flock of breeding sheep on-site.These lamb in March/April & are kept on the fields year-round.
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Poultry - We keep a flock of free range chickens & turkeys. Visitors are welcome to visit the birds and even help us farm workers collect the eggs!
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Horses - We have an on-site equestrian centre which boasts riding through some stunning landscapes. The herd are kept naturally & can be greeted by all.
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Donkeys - Our newest additions donkey brothers Eyyore & Doug currently live in the paddock and are a firm favourite!
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Apple Orchard - In the past 7 years we have planted an 3000-tree strong apple cider orchard over 12 acres.We create our own homegrown Exmoor Cider on-site with the apples being pressed and fermented in the cider barn. A tour of the orchard, complete with it's bee hives, and the cider barn makes an interesting afternoon particularly in harvest season.
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Conservation area - Our 160 acres contains a wild woodland coombe which we have devoted to developing our own wildlife corridor in. This area fosters the creation and protection of flora and fauna habitats through it's woodland, streams,
hedgerows & grassland.
The orchard is worth a visit anytime of year
Planning your visit
Visits can be easily linked to the curriculum with the countryside being such a fascinating teaching resource. Each visit can be tailored to suit the individual needs of the group. For example some groups prefer the visit to be more informal with some organised walks around the farm (maybe a picnic) while other groups may plan their visit to gain new skills & have fun e.g.team-building, orienteering, treasure hunt, wildlife quiz.
We are more than happy to cater for each groups needs while also acting as a base (we are a well-established campsite with facilities for overnight stays) to explore scenic routes/places of interest nearby.
We would encourage pre-visits of the farm during which you can plan you visit ie. risk assessments, discuss group's requirements.
The possibilities are endless on the farm
Suggested Topics & Facilities
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Animals - How they move, feed, grow, adapt & reproduce.
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Plants - Requirements for growth, recognition of functions, living & non-living trail.
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Farm Produce - What does each animal produce & how.
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Habitats & wildlife conservation
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Food Chains
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Life Cycles e.g. caterpillars, frogs
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Woodlands & tree studies
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Pond Dipping
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Bug Hunting
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Investigating different Soils
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The Countryside Code & Animal Rights
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Human influences on the enviroment
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Orienteering & the reading/designing of maps
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Sketching & painting
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Making sculptures & dyes with natural materials
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Handling & recording data ie. group living things according to similarities & differences.
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Interviewing people in the workplaces & formulating questions
Facilties include:
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Toilets & hand-washing facilities
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Tables and benches ie. for picnic
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Indoor space in case of inclement weather
Health & Safety
All animals naturally carry a range of micro-organisms, some of which can be transmitted to humans, where they may cause ill health.
Some infections which may be contracted on farms, such as the bacterium Escherichia coli O157, can potentially cause severe disease which maybe particularly acute in young children.
While the hazard from infection resulting from a farm visit is real, the risks are readily controlled by everyday measures.
We strongly advise you follow these steps before/during your visit:
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Decide what the ratio of children to leaders should be.
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Make sure everyone wears appropriate clothing including sturdy footwear.
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Check that cuts and grazes are covered with a waterproof dressing.
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Children wash their hands throughly before eating & after contact with animals.
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Make sure children do not suck their fingers, put hands/pens in mouth or kiss the animals.
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Children should only eat in the designated area, never eating animal food or food that has fallen on the ground.
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Children must not touch machinery/tools or climb on fences/gates.
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Children should approach and handle animals gently not to frighten them.
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After the visit children should change their footwear.
Remember the children are your responsibility. You should supervise them during the visit, especially during hand washing. The HSE has printed a comprehensive leaflet for farm visits which can be read online at https://www.hsebooks.co.uk/
A copy of the farm's risk assessment and liability insurance is available upon request