Farms » 'Bank Farm'

Contact Details

James Hague - Bank Farm, Stanthorne, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 9JE
Telephone: 01606 832163 / 07900915939
Email: james.hague@yahoo.co.uk

Farm Details

Middlewich has a rich heritage that has been investigated by many people both from the town and outside it.  Two aspects that are well known are salt production and the canals.  What may be less well known is the wealth of Roman and Norman involvement in the town.  Stanthorne is situated three miles from Middlewich and until recently claimed to be the centre of Cheshire. An old oak tree on the village green has for many generations marked the spot.

Bank Farm is predominately a Dairy Farm; milking 150 Pedigree Holstein cows and also rearing young-stock for replacements.  They have 300 acres of grassland, maize, winter wheat and some woodland.  The farmhouse and surrounding farm buildings are Grade II listed.  Bostock Hall moated site is also a Scheduled Monument.  The Hall is said to have had many rooms and at least one big hall or gallery.  In the gallery were hung several portraits each about six feet high, which had been painted during the reign of Henry VIII.  The Hall was pulled down in 1803 and is now marked by the moat and a spinney, which is covered in willows.

Ancient saltpans have been discovered on grassland, which have been donated to the local Salt Museum.  This area has had the depth of cultivation reduced, decreasing the risk of damage to any archaeological sites.  The farm orchard is to be replanted with local varieties of apple, pear, plum and damson.  Areas of the farm are currently being taken out of the arable rotation and have been planted with wild bird food to provide a sustained source of nourishment during winter months for targeted wild birds.  Wet grassland near the river Dane is being managed to benefit many bird species such as curlew, overwintering waders, ducks, geese, swans and wildfowl.  Semi-natural and wet woodlands are managed to maintain and encourage a diversity of natural tree and shrub species.  Existing hedgerows of high environmental value are being restored and new hedgerows are to be planted as well as restoring ancient parish boundaries.

Visit Details

The visit can be tailored to meet the requirements of each party. Obviously learners will understand more about the relationship between farming, conservation and food production. Examples of activities include a nature trail, pond dips, wild bird identification and investigation of archaeological features. The length of the visit will be arranged with the visiting party but usually a minimum of two hours. Visits can be provided monthly. An eating area can be provided in the orchard or under cover in the buildings. Please advise beforehand whether lunch will be taken here on site. Visitors must provide their own lunch. Bags and valuables may be left in the dairy, which can be locked if needed, at owners' risk.

At Key Stage 1 the farm visit can widen the pupils' first-hand experience in a whole range of visual, tactile and other sensory situations. Within this are the important messages of the life cycle and seasonal change. There is a wealth of opportunity for language development and literacy skills.

At Key Stage 2 the visit can stimulate and excite pupils' curiosity. It also satisfies their curiosity as they begin to apply their knowledge and understanding of ideas. Pupils can consider the farm as a good example of an environment affected by human activity, think about attitudes to farming, the rural environment and the conflicts of interest that arise. They talk about their work and its significance and communicate their ideas using a wide range of language.

At Key Stage 3 many different subject requirements can be satisfied. For example in history, the adaptation of farm buildings over the centuries can offer first-hand evidence of social and technological changes. This readily promotes the skills of handling and assessing. Pupils can investigate and debate a wide range of complex issues and begin to understand the environmental, social and economic implications.

At Key Stage 4 farm visits can be used to deliver examination subjects both academic and vocational. Contact with farmers will help to focus on the real life application of skills within the workplace, engaging pupils with contemporary issues and focusing on their role as users and consumers.

Numbers

6-30

Booking Info

Booking is essential, although on occasions they may be able to accommodate last minute bookings depending on the farm's workload. Bookings can be made either by contacting James Hague on the mobile number provided or via e-mail. Visits to Bank Farm are free of charge, however they do ask group leaders to complete a visitors' form before they leave, which the farm can then return to Natural England. There is ample parking and turning room in the courtyard for coaches. Bank Farm is located approximately 1 mile from Middlewich, Cheshire on the A533 between Middlewich and Northwich. They welcome children of all ages, in groups of 6 - 30.

Risk Assessment

They do recommend a pre-visit to the farm, during which you can carry out a risk assessment and become familiar with the site. Any specific requirements or needs of the visiting group can be discussed. A copy of the farm's risk assessment is available. They comply with Health and Safety Regulations. However, it is important that all pupils and supervising adults are aware of the correct Health and Safety guidelines. The risk of infection is very small, but disease caused by an infection could be serious. By following simple guidelines, similar to everyday basic hygiene recommendations, the risk can be easily minimised. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the terrain they consider wheelchairs to be rather difficult to manage, but they are open to suggestions, as they are to all disabilities.

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