If you’re looking for a new activity for your family to enjoy together, Farmcraft in Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire is offering sheep herding, farm Olympics and farm tour experiences on a real working farm.
Farmcraft is based at Church Farm in Winsley and run by fifth generation farmer Becky Bowles. “I started Farmcraft because I was brought up on a farm and have had lots of opportunities to be around animals from a young age,” she explained. “I help my Dad run a working sheep farm and I love to share the experiences with others who to see a bit of what farm life can be like.
“We offer a range of activities from Sheep Herding sessions to Farm Tours/Lambing Live experiences. I love that these experiences are unique; something completely different for others to try. It is great to see how engaged people are throughout the sessions and how they love the hands-on parts of it.”
Aimed at ages from four years old and upwards, the activities available at Farmcraft are –
Sheep Herding
This is a unique, challenging and fun experience for a group, whether it’s a hen party or a children’s birthday party. It begins with a briefing session and discussion, then participants are divide into two teams and compete to move the woolly friends around various obstacles within a time limit. This requires careful planning, teamwork — and a sense of humour.
NEW FOR 2023! Farmcraft is now offering Sheep Herding sessions for individuals, couples, families. You do not need to be a group to book on. However, you will be doing the session with others. Please see the availability calendar for dates/time.
Farm Olympics
Think back to the good old school sports day races — but this time with a farming twist. Welly wanging, tyre flipping and the egg and spoon are favourites — plus the surprises Becky and Harriet have up their sleeves to suit all ages. A great follow up activity after sheep herding.
Farm Tours
Particularly popular during the busy lambing season (end of March to the end of April), these are operated in groups of up to 15 people max, so there are lots of opportunities for Q&As and discussions. The tour gives guests a chance to be as hands-on as they want: get stuck in and try bottle feeding a lamb, or stand back and coo at the springtime arrivals from afar.
“My (sheep crazy!) daughter and I had the most amazing morning joining Becky, the brilliant Shepherdess/farmer, on her lambing rounds at Farmcraft. From learning to catch the lambs with a crook, to helping rescue newborns and finally to actually assisting/witnessing a triplet birth in the fields, it really was an immersive, hands on, and truly memorable experience in the most beautiful of locations! Thank you so much and we will definitely be back again!”
“My 4 year old son had a fantastic birthday party with Farmcraft. He loved every minute of the true sheep farm experience from sheep-herding to ‘farm olympics’ which provided a lot of amusement! It was such a joy to have an outdoors party, and a unique and novel experience for the kids. Becky and Harriet were really great – well organised but with a relaxed and fun feel! Would highly recommend.”