Christmas Tree Farm
Christmas Tree Farm is a petting zoo, outside the village of Downe in the county of Kent. Despite its rural setting, it is actually only 15 miles from London, making it an ideal visit, as part of a day. The farm is home to a wide selection of domestic farm animals (and a few more exotic ones), all of which can be fed, stroked and lavished with attention by visitors. During the winter months, Christmas Tree Farm hosts Santa’s Grotto and as the name suggests is the place to find the perfect Christmas tree for your home. Entry prices are very reasonable, costing £6 per adult and £4 for children aged between 2 and 16 years old. Buckets of animal feed of varying size are also available for a small fee. There is a leisurely trail around the farm where the various animals are housed in pens and out buildings. There is also a Tea Garden where refreshments are available.
Myself and Mrs P were on grandparent duty today, looking after our grandson Oscar, who is 3. One of the main advantages of entertaining Oscar is his age. Unlike our twin granddaughters who are nine, Oscar’s aspirations and likes are far easier to cater for. Hence our visit to Christmas Tree Farm. Upon arrival, Oscar was most excited to see chickens, especially those varieties that have “hairy legs”, or feathers on their feet to you or I. He also enjoyed the “sheepey” and was relatively content to feed and stroke them. However, as we progressed around the farm it became apparent he was wary of any animal that was bigger than him. He still enjoyed looking at them but would not feed them. The animals are extremely tame and associate human visitors with being fed. They actively come to the fences and solicit petting and feeding by whinnying, stamping their feet or standing with their mouths open.
The weather was a pleasant 25° Celsius (77° Fahrenheit) with some clouds, making it a very enjoyable day for a walk. As well as chicken and sheep, there are pigs, goats, Shetland ponies, donkeys, cows, alpacas and rheas. In the outbuildings there are also rabbits and ferrets. The bucket of feed which consisted of grain and chopped root vegetables lasted for the majority of the walk. You have to be careful as some of the larger animals will try to make off with it. If visiting it is wise to wear appropriate footwear, as it can get muddy. Also, as this is a farm with animals, expect that organic aroma that is associated with livestock. We spent an enjoyable 75 minutes walking around Christmas Tree Farm and I thoroughly recommend it as part of a day out. Children these days are far more removed from nature and the farming industry. Christmas Tree Farm is an ideal medium for reacquainting them with both.
