South of England Rare Breeds Centre & Country Farm Park

The Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch, near Ashford, Kent celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2012, when a series of celebratory events will take place. The centre is approved by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and the 100 acre farm in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside is home to a wide variety of much-loved animals. Events, thrills, adventure and discovery for children of all ages is offered all year around, making a perfect family day out.

Spring is one of the busiest times of the farm year when many of the animals give birth to their young. Children have a wide choice of energetic activities to keep them occupied, including two large play parks, an aerial runway, two assault courses and a hill fort. Or they may want to try the rope swings within the Mysterious Marsh Adventure Trail or find their way through a giant tube maze. Falconry displays and pig races also add to the entertainment.

A wide variety of animals at the Rare Breeds Centre include Birds of Prey such as ‘Bashful' a small owl, Shetland ponies, ‘Minnie' and ‘Bandit' and ‘Jack' and ‘Morse', two rescued donkeys. Cock of the Roost is ‘Big Bird', our colourful Brahma cockerel who each morning, next to the Children's Barn, wakes his neighbours, ‘Luna', a Jersey calf and a variety of piglets, rabbits and goats. There are twelve rare sheep breeds on the farm including sweet- natured South Downs and Coloured Lincolnshire Longwools. There are plenty of other baby animals to admire in the Children's Barn including a variety of rare breed chicks and piglets.

Lambing time: Visitors will have an opportunity to get close to some of our newborn lambs. Lambing time begins just before Easter and lasts between three and four weeks. Visitors can see lambs being born in a special lambing area on the farm. Although it cannot be guaranteed, there are occasional opportunities to bottle feed the lambs who need milk three times a day. We are also expecting some other new arrivals at Easter time when some of our goats, including Pygmy goats give birth to their ‘kids'.

There are indoor attractions too, including the soft play barn for toddlers where parents can put their feet up while knowing their children are safe. All main hot meals in the Granary restaurant cost under £5.

Go to www.rarebreeds.org,uk for details of events such as pig racing and falconry display times or to book tickets online.