Barleylands Farm Park Achieve Highly Commended in NFAN Awards 2022
Did you know that there are an estimated 400 Farm Attractions in the UK? That’s a long list of places to visit! And did you also know that more than half of them (216 at the last count) have now joined the National Farm Attractions Network (NFAN)? Established in 1996, NFAN plays a vital role in supporting and advising Farm Parks and rural attractions across the country.
Barleylands is proud to be a member of NFAN and we were even more proud to receive recognition in their 2022 awards ceremony. After receiving notice that we had reached the finals, a team of staff were invited to attend the Awards Ceremony in Wales. During an evening of entertainment, in which the best of Britain’s Farm Parks were highlighted, Barleylands was awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the Best Events section for our Toddler Friendly Drive in Fireworks. Only sixteen awards were presented and, from such a huge list of participants, the competition was fierce!
The aim and purpose of NFAN is to unite the fast growing farm and rural attraction industry. There is an ever increasing desire among the public to see first-hand the work that goes into farming our animals and stocking our supermarket shelves. And, of course, they are more likely to visit venues where a high level of entertainment is provided on a regular basis. The industry is so successful that some 45 million visits a year now take place, ranging from school trips to family days out: everyone is catered for and everyone is entertained. 25 million of these visitors are going to NFAN venues and this is a huge part of the UK tourism industry.
As well as creating employment opportunities for over 13000 people, NFAN farm attractions encourage consumers to buy locally grown produce, educate school children and provide people in all areas with entertaining leisure destinations.
NFAN is a voice for this growing farm park industry and in 2012 they were instrumental in launching the Industry Code of Practice which ensures that all our visitors (and our lovely animals) are kept safe and happy when they come to see us. More recently, NFAN were particularly active in helping farm parks and rural venues deal safely and successfully with the Covid pandemic.
Our award was earned in recognition of Barleylands’ success in running Big Events which we do throughout the year. So don’t forget to check our website regularly for a full list of upcoming important dates. And for those of you who enjoy being one step ahead, Barleylands Members can save 10% AND enjoy priority booking! Now that is definitely worth an award….
