Although the Lancashire Rural Futures programme has ceased

specialist rural business support can still be accessed through

Rural Futures on 01995 600724 www.ruralfutures.co.uk

With approximately 65 acres of both grassland and woodland, the Bowland Wild Boar Park in Chipping has lots to offer. With a range of activities available, from tractor rides to feeding the lambs, llama and goats in the park, children are sure to be kept entertained for hours on end.

The Wild Boar Park first opened to the public in 1999. Until then the land had been used to farm pigs but after 35 years the owners of the park, Bill and Jackie Bailey, found themselves making huge losses. In order for the couple to make a living, they realised that they had to diversify from traditional farming practices. Bill had kept wild boars for several years as a hobby and the couple decided to expand on this side of the business by opening up the farm to the public. Firstly a car park was built for potential visitors and then in the following year redundant barns were converted into a café, a shop, a classroom and a new toilet block.

The park has been extremely successful and has attracted many visitors. Because of this success, Bill decided he would like to attract school parties to the park. To do this, Bill hired two teachers to visit the park in order to draw up teaching materials covering many elements of the national curriculum. An open day was then held for teachers in the area to promote the Wild Boar Park as an ideal venue for a pupil visit to enhance the curriculum and make young people aware of the environment they live in. The work carried out by the teachers was part funded by the Rural Sustainable Marketing Programme and will hopefully prove successful in attracting more schools to the park.

If you would like more information telephone 01995 61554 or check the website at www.wildboarpark.co.uk

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