At this time our farm remains open to the public. Our education programmes and visits will continue as scheduled with extra hygiene precautions in place.

The March Hare Tea Party (21st March) is cancelled. Further cancellations are expected.

Wellgate Community Farm is committed to taking responsible action in the current pandemic. We are following the ‘guidance for educational settings’ laid out by the Department for Education and Public Health England (here) to help to control the rate of infection. This information is updated daily to help to control the spread of the SARS Coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2 which causes the COVID-19 disease.

Anyone who might come on site should stay at home if they are unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature to avoid spreading infection to others. Also, if you’re in a group which is invited to receive a flu-vaccination you are advised not to come to the farm. Otherwise people should attend education or work as normal.

We expect everyone who comes to the farm to:-

• Wash their hands often with soap and water (or alcohol hand sanitiser that is at least 60% alcohol if this is not available); this is particularly important after taking public transport but should also be done:-
  • Before leaving home
  • On arrival at the farm
  • After using the toilet
  • After breaks
  • Before food preparation
  • Before eating any food
  • Before leaving the farm
• Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue then throw it in the bin 
• Avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth 
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell  
• Follow the Stay At Home Guidance if they feel unwell

Staff have been directed to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.

If we reach a situation where we have insufficient staff or facilities to operate safely then we will have to limit the activities on offer and/or close the farm to the public. Where possible we will try and reschedule events for a later date or offer a refund. Notice of any cancellation will be given as soon as practically possible.

Should a volunteer, student or member of staff test positive for the virus the farm will follow the advice and guidance of the local public health protection team.

Close contact as part of activities is being restricted especially within first aid. Where we are following advice from Resuscitation Council UK. 

Questions we’ve been asked

Can the animals get sick?
The evidence from other similar viruses is that it is almost impossible for our animals or domestic pets to catch this virus. In the very unlikely they did catch it, they will not be harmed and cannot pass it back to people.

Should I wear a mask or other PPE?
No, just appropriate footwear and clothing as usual. Masks can only help to prevent a sick person from passing it on and if you are unwell then you should be at home.

Who will feed the animals?
Even if the farm is closed we will look after our animals – a skeleton crew of staff and a small number volunteers will come in to feed and care for them even if we close to visitors.