Youngsters digest food facts on Cumbria holiday park

Children bidding farewell to the animals on a farm-based touring park in Cumbria are being told they may well meet them again on their next visit.

But this time, their free-range friends could be covered in gravy or served up with mint sauce.

Hollins Farm camping and caravanning park near Silverdale says that it is providing parents with a great opportunity to teach youngsters the facts of life about food.

For the farm raises traditional breeds of sheep, cows and chickens in its picturesque Lakeland setting, and then supplies the meat to local dining establishments.

They include the restaurants at nearby Silverdale Holiday Park and The Royal dining pub, both popular with park guests and owned – along with Hollins Farm – by the Holgates Group.

“Surveys suggest that many children have a disconnect with farming, and some don’t know that bacon comes from pigs, or eggs are produced by chickens,” said Michael Holgate.

“It’s such a pity if modern kids are growing up never having heard a cow go “moo” or a sheep go “baa”, and don’t know the baby names of cows and sheep.

“That’s why we’re encouraging mums and dads who stay with us to regard Hollins Farm as a place where youngsters can really have their eyes opened

“We manage the farm along sustainable lines with animal welfare given an absolute top priority, and we’re always happy to explain more about this to guests.

“As well as discovering more about nature and the countryside, youngsters can also make that important connection between farming and the food they eat,” said Michael.

Hollins Farm, which welcomes motorhomes and touring caravans as well as campers, was praised last year by botanist David Bellamy for its raft of environmental initiatives.

Professor Bellamy presented the park with his prestigious conservation award at its top gold level, and applauded its plans in 2017 to plant thousands of native trees across the park.

Meanwhile, Hollins Farm re-opened this March for the new holiday season with advance bookings at their highest level for years, according to Michael Holgate.

“The appeal of traditional family holidays in the English countryside is stronger than ever, and we’re proud of being able to provide such a magnificent setting,” said Michael.

“The fact that this is also a working farm adds another fascinating dimension, and shows how we strive to give the same VIP treatment to both our animal and human guests.

“At the very least, we hope some youngsters will return home with a better idea of the back-story to their burgers and chicken nuggets!” he added.

There is more information about Hollins Farm, and the five other Cumbria and North Lancashire holiday parks belonging to the Holgates group, at www.holgates.co.uk