Group Visits

Ponderosa are very happy to accept group or class bookings, and offer a wide choice of activities to teachers and group leaders. We have educational guided tours, and tours through our wildlife walks and activities in animal welfare/husbandry and pony rides. The farm also houses an abundance of livestock which includes llamas, pigs, snakes, goats, 3 species of primate, otters and rabbits to name a few.

Educational Tours

We at Ponderosa want everyone to benefit from their visit and we are more than willing to discuss with you any individual requirements you may have. It may be that you want to include more of a specific activity to tie in with project or curriculum work you may already be involved in. Please inform us of your requirements and we will accommodate you to the best of our ability. Whether you choose a half or full day visit, the basic programme of events can include the following activities:-

Guided tour of Ponderosa

This concentrates on the animal’s habitat and welfare.

• Zoo Tour
• Reptile talk - learning about our reptiles and reptile handling
• 30mins play in our Playbarn - Children 8 years and under

Activity (3 from above)	Price per child
Guided Tour of Ponderosa	£8.50

Mini Guided Tours

Approx 30 minutes where you will be shown around the centre with a member of staff who will answer your questions

Activity	Child	Accompanying Adult
Mini Guided Tour	£6.50	£5.00

General Admission

Activity (Bookings Only)	Child	Adult
Zoo Only	£4.50	£5.00
Zoo with 30mins in Playbarn	£7.00	£5.00

1 free adult for every 6 children, with all group bookings.

Teacher Information

Our mission

To provide everyone, regardless of age and background or ability, access to an enjoyable, exciting experience in an open environment based on sustainability and education.

Pricing and information about our Education Packs can be found under Plan Your Visit

Key aims

• To provide a full and comprehensive education service that is relevant for learners from pre-school into retirement
• To achieve and maintain farm for School and Access to Farms status as a recognised quality standard for education provisions in Farms
• To promote the creative use of farms as a resource that inspires learning
• To actively involve the participation of all staff in the development and delivery of education services, supported by appropriate management arrangements and training
• To support the educational aims and promotion of the Zoo Licensing Act to encourage participation and public understanding of the animals and environment around us
• To facilitate student placements when possible and to create links with local colleges and universities
• To support and encourage family learning through a programme of events and activities
• More information can be found in our Education Policy and Vision document which can be downloaded from this page. (See Below).

General Information

Please download the General Information Document. It contains current information about bookings, prices, group sizes, parking and information to help you organise your visit.

Safety Guidelines for Schools and Groups

As we endeavour to make sure that all visitors enjoy their day it is just as important to ensure that all our visitors are safe during their time here. We have worked along side a number of schools to put these guidelines together to help you understand your responsibilities during the visit. Please download the safety guidelines document well in advance of your visit.

Risk Assessment for Ponderosa Rare Breeds Farm

Please download the Risk Assessment example for specific details of your trip. Please note that this is an example and the risks must be assessed by you

Education Policy and Vision Document

This Document outlines our Mission, Key aims and objectives, and our commitment to education through ongoing consultation with education providers.

Downloads

Risk Assessment for Ponderosa Rare Breeds Farm

Education Policy and Vision Document

Visitor General Information, Safety & Guidance

Things to do