Developing a keen awareness of all things animal, from farm animals to unusual exotic animals, is a big part of working at Priddy Books. So last weekend, to fuel this interest I wandered along to Surrey Docks Farm in Rotherhithe on a mission to find some goats, chickens, sheep, pigs and maybe even the odd cow or two.
These inner-city farms are brilliant fun, bringing lots of exciting new experiences for little ones that normally come with a visit to the muddiest field in the middle of nowhere, right to the heart of the city. Surrey Docks Farm is no exception. Although smaller than other London equivalents in Hackney and Mudchute, the essentials (like the animals and the mud), as well as the desirable extras (petting area, yummy café, produce to buy, and lots of fun activities for kids) are all present in abundance. They even offer yoga, a blacksmith forge and sewing classes for any keen crafters.
Happily, inner-city farms are not exclusive to London but can be found on brownfield sites across the UK, like Rice Lane City Farm in Liverpool, Heeley City Farm in Sheffield, St Werburghs in Bristol and many, many more. A great day out for all the family!
