A special event takes place on Sunday 18th March at Collaton Down Farm near Blackawton, near Dartmouth in South Devon. The event from 2.00pm – 4.30pm includes a walk across mostly level fields. The farm walk will commence promptly at 2.15pm. The event is at the height of the lambing season so there will be plenty of young lambs to see and touch. Visitors may also be lucky enough to see some born.
Looking after the flock of 500 ewes takes a lot of hard work and planning. Farmer Phil Bond will explain what’s involved during the tour of the farm which has panoramic views of Dartmoor. The farm has formerly undertaken work as part of the Catchment Sensitive Farming scheme to protect the Dart Estuary.
This farm visit is one of a series to raise awareness of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and in particular to celebrate local farming and food production, educating children especially about farming and food production and the link with the landscape. Farmer Philip Bond said ” Lambing time is extremely busy for the whole family working shifts and we also have veterinary students from the Royal Vet College here on work experience. We look forward to welcoming the public to the farm on Lambing Sunday for them to find out more about what a typical sheep farmers day involves and are happy for families to be hands on in helping to feed the orphan lambs. During a farm walk around the farm we explain how land and hedges are managed from a conservation point of view.”
AONB Communities Officer Nicky Bailey said “This event is always very popular. The Bond family are passionate about what they do. There is lots for the public to see and do; with an opportunity to see the lambs and take a guided farm walk, followed by delicious cakes!”
Afternoon tea (at nominal extra cost) will be available after the walk. Enquiries please telephone 01803 861384. Or visit www.southdevonaonb.org.uk. Collaton Down Farm is off the A3122 Totnes-Dartmouth Road between Totnes Cross Filling Station and The Forces Cross, Postcode TQ9 7DW, No Dogs. Not suitable for pregnant women due to proximity of new-born lambs. Adults £4, Children £2
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