Yesterday Mark visited the brilliant Willow Tree Farm in Shirebrook to speak to owners David and Adam about their ambitions for the attraction and the wider Shirebrook area.
Willow Tree Farm is community focussed charity based animal farm based in the heart of Shirebrook. Mark visited on Friday to meet with the owners to see the brilliant work being undertaken at the site, as well as in the wider Shirebrook community.
The site hosts a range of different animals, including pigmy goats, alpacas, tortoises, meerkats, reindeer and much more. The Farm work closely with schools and young people in the community to give young people and families opportunities and experiences in Shirebrook that they wouldn’t normally have.
They work closely with many of the primary schools and have a particularly close working relationship with Stubbin Wood School. Willow Tree Farm has a specific focus on working with those with special educational needs and has made huge efforts to become an autism friendly site. They offer young people the chance to receive recognised qualifications in animal care and handling and place a strong emphasis on teaching children about farming and where produce comes from.
The Farm have also opened up a new entertainment centre on site capable of taking table bookings as well as a bar, giving families in the area a welcome place to spend some quality family time together.
Commenting on the visit Mark said:
“I’d like to say a massive thank you for all the brilliant work that Adam and David have been doing since they took over this site a number of years ago. Their commitment to the community is second to none and they have a real passion for making Shirebrook and amazing place.
“Willow Tree Farm is a real asset to our community in the town and the work that they do with out local schools and young people is invaluable. I think it’s amazing that they’re working with our local school kids and giving them opportunities to get outdoors, improve their mental health and better themselves.
“I really look forward to working with them both in the future. Their energy and enthusiasm for what they do is great and I’m keen to help them wherever possible.”
