It’s business as usual at The Rare Breeds Centre despite the recent foot and mouth scare.
‘ The news of the Surrey outbreak came out of the blue and was a major shock to us’ said Farm Manager Davy McColm ‘The last outbreak of foot and mouth was a disaster for the Centre and caused us to close to visitors and locked us down in terms of animal, staff and resident movements. This time, the government seem to be more on the ball and although it will be difficult for us all, the restriction on movements is essential to prevent the spread of the virus’
Back in 2001 when foot and mouth closed the Rare Breeds Centre, the people of Ashford rallied around and raised close to £70,000 through all types of fundraising events and activities to help keep the Centre running.
‘Over the years, Canterbury Oast Trust has built up fantastic support from everyone in the area and our message to everyone is to keep on coming to see us. We have some great new attractions this summer including the walk-through aviary, a great collection of birds of prey that are currently being trained for public displays and best of all we’ve reopened our big paddling pool on the terrace by the restaurant!’
For more information – www.rarebreeds.org.uk or 01233 861493