Tam O'Shanter Urban Farm

What is Available?

Farm Animals 

We have a variety of farm animals including pigs, goat, sheep, hens, ducks, geese, pet rabbits, a pony and a donkey.
Many of our animals are rare breeds such as the Manx Loaghtan sheep and we can provide educational materials on the history, development and future of rare breeds and the importance of maintaining gene pools.

Other topics we cover include animal husbandry, nutrition and welfare (including basic needs); the benefits of free range farming methods as opposed to intensive farming; identification of different animals including their physical characteristics and species adaptation. *

Farm tours may be available subject to prior discussion

Farm Produce

Tam O’Shanter is a working farm, producing eggs, wool and meat on a small scale.

We can provide educational resources on the history of farming, egg production - from the hen to the supermarket shelf; wool, lamb and pork production and the uses of different breeds.

Occasionally, it may be possible to witness some of our seasonal activities such as sheep shearing and wool spinning during early summer. Please discuss this with our staff if you wish your group to observe any of the demonstrations.

 

Bee and Honey Production Demonstration

A bee and honey production demonstration may be available by arrangement, but please note that this is dependent on the availability of the Beekeeper and the weather conditions (demonstration lasts about 15 - 30 mins).

* If there is a particular subject within the curriculum that you would like your farm visit to link into, please feel free to discuss it with our staff beforehand. We also have a variety of curriculum based educational resources that can be borrowed prior to your visit.

Activity Room

The farm also has an activity room, which can be used for indoor activities. There is a TV screen and a selection of videos on farming related topics available. A list of videos is available on request.

We have a small selection of environmental based activities based on food chains and life cycles
We also have farm based quiz and activity sheets for teachers to photocopy and bring on the day. Should you require activity sheets based on specific subjects, please discuss your requirements with us prior to your visit.

Incubation Projects

We have a limited number of incubators available that we loan to schools from February onwards. Bookings are taken from the 1 st of January and are on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. We will also provide the eggs, candlers, brooders, feeders and drinkers along with a full set of instructions. Professional assistance is provided if needed. We do not charge for the loan, but donations are appreciated.

 

Souvenir Counter

There is a souvenir counter within the café selling a variety of children’s toys and games. However, as we rely on volunteers to staff the counter, opening is limited.

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