West Middlewick Farm – case study
West Middlewick Farm in Devon has been welcoming caravanners and campers for years. The farm is a working farm with dairy cows, sheep and chickens, and as John Gibson, the farmer, says: “we encourage everybody who comes here to sample farm life and get involved in feeding the calves and looking after the other animals.” Disabled children with mobility impairments can feed small calves in a barn that has level access. There is also level access into the main cowshed for viewing the milking.
As John notes: “We found that many of the things we already do, such as offering assistance to disabled people, are plain common sense, and we have tried to ensure we are as disability friendly as possible.” Assistance is already provided to help disabled people get their caravan on to the pitch (such as reversing and unhitching) and, following changes at the farm, it will now be even easier for disabled people to stay. A designated pitch close to the amenities can be reserved for disabled people and a new toilet block provides an accessible toilet and shower facility.
Campers and caravanners can book online, by telephone, or by post and people with hearing and speaking impairments can email bookings.