A much-loved family visitor attraction near Thirsk has re-launched to the public after its future was secured by new owners.
A much-loved family visitor attraction near Thirsk has relaunched to the public after its future was secured by new owners. Monk Park Farm was officially reopened on Monday 12th April by Peter Wright, one of the stars of the long-running Channel 5 show The Yorkshire Vet. The park has undergone a programme of improvements to give it a new lease of life after it was forced to close during the Covid-19 pandemic. [caption id="attachment_9318" align="alignnone" width="1800"] The team at Monk Park Farm, including Yorkshire Vets Peter Wright and Julian Norton[/caption] Cutting the ribbon, Mr Wright said he was “really pleased and honoured” to see the farm back up and running, and praised the changes that have been made to its grounds and facilities. He said:
“You can tell as you approach the park what a difference there is. I think people will be very impressed and excited with the new developments.”At its pre-pandemic peak, Monk Park Farm was welcoming up to 50,000 visitors each year. The 85-acre site at Bagby offers a range of farm-based activities, with the main attraction being the chance to meet and feed hundreds of animals. The park is home to chickens, sheep and pigs, along with rabbits, guinea pigs, fallow deer, red deer, alpacas and albino wallabies. Hayley Cooke, who is part of the new management team, said:
“Spring is the perfect time for us to re-open as we have lots of cute new babies to show off. There are lambs, calves, goat kids, chicks and even an albino joey that’s just started poking its head out of its mother’s pouch.”[caption id="attachment_9319" align="aligncenter" width="1723"] One of the main attractions of the farm is for visitors being able to feed the animals.[/caption] Despite the current Covid restrictions limiting some activities, Hayley said there was still plenty for families to enjoy at Monk Park Farm. All the outdoor areas are open, including the play parks, animal pens and feeding stations. Hayley added:
“Our main concern while the farm was closed has been the impact on the animals. They have really missed the attention that they usually get from our visitors, so we are absolutely delighted to finally be able to welcome people back.”Head animal keeper Paul Elgey has been at Monk Park Farm for 16 years and worked throughout the pandemic looking after the animals, which number more than 300. He said it was “fantastic” to see the park brought back to life:
“It was great to welcome Peter Wright for the re-launch as I’ve known him for a long time and he’s always been at the end of the phone for me and supporting the park.”Monk Park Farm is open every day from 10am to 5pm (last admission 3pm). Tickets cost between £7 for children aged 2-15 years and £40 for a family of six, and can only be booked via the website at https://www.monkparkfarm.co.uk/ Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
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