With tourism and hospitality businesses finally getting the green light to open last weekend, the team at Pennywell Farm have been working hard to maintain social distancing and keep visitors safe.

The farm’s miniature ponies and donkeys are less reluctant to comply but owner Chris Murray insists the visitors are far less trouble!

And despite all the safety precautions, Chris is determined visitors can enjoy all the fun of the farm, with firm favourite activities including pig racing still going ahead each day.

He said: “We have installed hygiene screens at all our tills along with social distancing markers in all the public areas.

“Our picnic areas have been reconfigured to allow visitors space, we’ve added more hand sanitising stations and provide all our team with PPE.”

 Following government guidelines for a phased reopening, the farm, near Rattery, is offering limited numbers of tickets each day.

There is a morning session 9am – 1pm and an afternoon session 2pm - 6pm to ensure visitors can move around and enjoy the animals and activities with plenty of personal space.

 Chris is feeling confident for the season ahead. He said: “Feedback so far has been very encouraging with visitors telling us that they can still have a great visit while feeling safe, from having their temperature check on arrival to sanitising their hands as they leave.”