Accessibility at The Ark Farm

The farm is for everyone, whatever their requirements.

We are a rural destination, which can present some challenges when it comes to accessibility but we strive to offer an inclusive experience for everybody.

Parking

All parking at the Farm is free. Disabled parking is available next to the entrance.

Visually Impaired

Assistance dogs are allowed throughout the Farm (as long as they are working at the time).

Hearing Impaired

There is a wealth of written information around the farm to explain our history, the farming year and the story of each of our breeds.

Baby Changing and Feeding

There are baby changing facilities, accesible to everyone in our main toilet block in the farm yard.

Breastfeeding is welcomed in all non-animal contact areas of the farm. To make sure you and your baby are safe, we ask that no breast feeding, eating or drinking takes place in any of the barns where animals are kept. Please wash your hands when leaving these areas and before eating, drinking or feeding your baby.

Pushchair Access

All areas of the farm are pushchair accessible, please note our paths are gravel and unsealed, pushchairs with larger wheels fair better.

Wheelchair Users

The entrance and main farmyard are a mixture of tarmac and concrete. Outwith the main farmyard there are unsealed gravel paths. Please note there is an area of sloping pathway which may require a bit of strength to navigate in a manual wheelchair. Our tractor ride has space for 1 wheelchair and is accessible using ramps. Our team can assist with the ramps and getting the wheelchair on and off.

Guests with Learning Disabilities

A visit to the farm is a multi-sensory and interactive experience. Please take all the time you need. Our team are more than happy to answer any questions during your visit – feel free to test them out!

Allergies

All of our food is prepared on-site in a kitchen that handles wheat, dairy and nuts. For information about ingredients please ask a member of our catering team.

Nimbus Access Card

We are pleased to be working with Nimbus Disability, utilising their Access Card Scheme and Digital Access Pass system to provide our customers with a more consistent and improved experience when accessing necessary support.

This scheme is designed for all customers who require adjustments to make their visit more comfortable, such as essential companion tickets, or provisions such as additional written information. By partnering with Nimbus Disability, a leading authority on accessible ticketing run by and for disabled people, we can better understand and meet your access requirements in a consistent and secure manner. This also helps to protect these provisions from potential misuse.

Through this scheme, you can apply for a free Digital Access Pass specifically for use with The Ark Farm, or you can choose to apply for a full Access Card for broader recognition.

What is A FREE Digital Access Pass?

You can submit a free application for a Digital Access Pass via Nimbus.
  • As part of the application, you will need to provide relevant evidence and a narrative about your access requirements, allowing Nimbus to allocate the appropriate symbols representing the barriers you face.
  • Once your application is approved, your Digital Access Pass will be valid for three years. You will receive a digital ID number.
  • You can use your Digital Access Pass ID Number to access facilities and make bookings with The Ark Farm, streamlining the process and potentially allowing you to book access provisions online.

What is The Access Card?

  • The Access Card is a universal way of conveying your access requirements that clearly communicates your requirements to thousands of organisations, venues, events, and ticketing systems across the UK and beyond.
  • It costs just £15 for three years, you can choose to upgrade your free registration to a full Access Card through the application process.
  • The Access Card features symbols that discreetly highlight the barriers you face and the reasonable adjustments you may need, such as level access, essential companion, or assistance with visual or auditory information.
  • Presenting your Access Card or its unique identification number can often reduce the need for repeated explanations and the submission of extensive personal documentation.
  • The Access Card can also work online with ticketing systems to unlock necessary access facilities.
  • The Access Card app provides a personalised directory of accessible venues.

How to Apply

To apply for your The Ark Farm Digital Access Pass, please click here: https://app.accesscard.online/apply/the-ark-open-farm/ You will be directed to a simple application form where you can upload any validating evidence and provide a description of your access requirements.

Already Have an Access Card or an Ark Farm Digital Access Pass?

If you already have a Nimbus Access Card, you do not need to apply again.

 

To use your Access Card or your Ark Farm Digital Access Pass Number (found on your confirmation email),

When it comes to selecting “ticket type” you will need to select “Essential Companion”, the system will then ask you to unlock the ticket by inputting your Access Card I.D number. If your Access Card permits an “Essential Companion” then this will be applied and you can then proceed with your booking.

Please note that we do not make the decisions on who is entitled to an “Essential Companion”. This decision is made by Nimbus Disability.

 

Why This Change?

We are committed to making our services as accessible as possible and ensuring we understand and can effectively meet the diverse needs of our customers with disabilities. By working with Nimbus Disability and their recognised and award-winning Access Card Scheme, we can:

  • Provide a more consistent and reliable way to assess and accommodate access requirements.
  • Offer a streamlined booking process, potentially including online booking for access provisions.
  • Ensure our staff can provide appropriate support based on validated access needs.
  • Help protect access provisions from potential misuse.

Our commitment to accessibility remains unchanged, and our friendly team is still here to support you if you have any questions or need assistance. For further support, please contact us