Farms » 'Shipbrook Hill Farm'

Contact Details

Simon and Marianne Bennett - Shipbrook Hill Farm, Manor Lane, Whatcroft, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 7RH

Farm Details

Riverside Organic is a family-run farm shop and caf´ in Whatcroft, just outside Davenham in Cheshire, selling over 1000 organic products.  Shipbrook Hill Farm lies either side of the meandering River Dane. With additional ground it totals 335 acres of organic land, providing habitat for a number of important species, including lapwing, partridge, skylark, curlew, buzzards and hares.  The land drops away from the farmstead to the flood meadows of the Dane Valley.  The farm is open to schools, clubs and the general public to enjoy organic farm walks through the farm and surrounding countryside.  Walkers and shoppers alike can enjoy what are arguably some of the most beautiful views in Cheshire.  For customers who are unable to visit, goods can be ordered online from www.riversideorganic.com.  Recently they have been accepted onto the HLS scheme.  This will allow them to pursue various conservation projects including improved breeding ground for lapwing, planting wild bird seed mixtures, planting over 300 trees, installing over six miles of permissive footpaths, and much more.   The farm was once the site of Shipbrook Castle built by Richard de Vernon who came to Britain in 1066 with William the Conqueror.  Stones from the original castle, thought to be of wood and stone construction, can still be seen in the garden.  The best example being the top of an arch with a lion’s head carved into the stone. 

Visit Details

Farm visits, group talks, demonstrations and practical exercises are all offered. Marianne is a science teacher and can tie in visits to cover Key Stage skills. Visits can take anything from one hour to two days. They have an open air café plus an education room for bad weather visits. Information boards are present around the farm trails and worksheets can be produced to cover relevant Key Stages. Visits can take place as often as is necessary.

Numbers

Groups from 5-40 (more with notice).

Booking Info

Booking is not essential if a group would just like to take one of our farm walks. However, if a group prefers a guided tour or an educational visit, booking is essential and can be done by telephone or email, preferably both. There is no charge for the use of footpaths or for guided walks with question and answer sessions. Charges are made for the production of worksheets and other interactive educational tools which are provided. There is plenty of parking for coaches and the location is very easy to find. They can accommodate groups of from 5 to 40+ people, possibly more with plenty of notice.

Risk Assessment

They have their own risk assessment. There is a river running through the farm, which is a potential hazard but provides wonderful habitat for an array of plants and animals.

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