Park life in Cayton (From Gazette & Herald)

Park life in Cayton

A FARM attraction exhibiting everything from Cameroon sheep to alpacas has opened near Ryedale.

Mark and Jackie Wilson decided to diversify at Killerby Grange Farm in Cayton due to dwindling profits in pig farming. "Farming in general is pretty much on its knees and in our opinion, diversification isn't an option, it's a necessity," said Mark. "If you don't get on and do it then I think you are taking a bigger gamble than staying still."

They built Playdale Farm Park with the help of a Defra grant, bringing in a huge array of traditional and rare breeds of animal including alpacas, goats, donkeys and rabbits.

There is also an indoor play barn with ball pool, adventure trail and ride-on pedal tractors. Other facilities include an outdoor play area, undercover picnic area, sandpit, gift shop and tearoom.

"The indoor and outdoor farm provides a family environment where both children and parents can relax, enjoy themselves and have fun whatever the weather," said Jackie.

Mark and Jackie have two daughters, Megan, seven, and five-year-old Poppy. "They think it's absolutely wonderful, and one little girl who came to visit said she wished she was Megan's sister," said Mark.

With the pig farming replaced by the park, the couple able to continue their arable business.

"We want to keep it as a farm and make it interactive so that children can feed the animals and see us milk the cows," said Mark.

In the future they are looking to grow the playground area of the attraction. "We already have extensive playgrounds but we would like to expand them as that's what makes it a great day out," said Mark. They also want to extend the interactive side of the farm by offering tractor and trailer rides.

Playdale Farm Park is open from 10am to 6pm every day until September 10, plus additional weekends and school holidays during out of season months.

Admission for adults is £4.50 and £4 for children. Family tickets for four are available at £15. For more information call (01723) 586351.

Updated: 15:36 Wednesday, April 12, 2006