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CANNON FARM

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GENERAL INFORMATION FOR EDUCATIONAL VISITS

To arrange your educational visit contact:

Nigel Elgar, Cannon, Llanerfyl, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 0JJ. Tel: 01938 820251 or e-mail us using the enquiry form on the 'contact us' page.

For booking forms please click the following link; Booking form (71kb .pdf)

Following a visit please fill in and return an evaluation form. Evaluation form (34.1kb .pdf)

  Habitats at Cannon  Health & Safety  Country Code  Clothing & Footwear 

Habitats

The uplands of Wales consist of high mountains, heather moor, heath and semi-natural rough grazing as well as fast flowing streams.

Whilst valued for their remote character, upland landscapes are a product of generations who lived and worked there, making notable contribution to our record of human activities. Below the highest open land above the level of the 'mountain wall' are enclosed areas - the ffriddoedd. Often stock was moved from the Hendre (the permanent settlement) to the summer pasture in the ffriddoedd called the Hafod (the place to be in the summer). These vast areas of landscape support many wildlife habitats.

The high value people place upon the uplands is reflected in their popularity with visitors. As a result, there is a need to understand and assist those managing land under such circumstances.

We are proud of what exists at Cannon and through the Tir Gofal scheme implement management and capital works to conserve and enhance our environment.

For details of the habitats at Cannon use the following link. Wildlife and Conservation

Health and Safety

All animals naturally carry a range of micro-organisms, some of which can be transmitted to humans, where they may cause ill health. Some infections which may be contracted on farms, such as the bacterium Escherichia coli 0157 (E coli 0157), present a serious hazard and potentially cause severe disease which may be particularly acute in young children.

While the hazard from infection resulting from a farm visit are real, the risks are readily controlled by everyday measures. The following steps will help make your visit even more safe, healthy and enjoyable.

Before your visit:

  • Discuss visit arrangements with the farm management;
  • Assure yourself that the facilities provided match the recommendations in the main AIS23 information sheet;
  • Decide what the ratio of pupils to teachers/assistants/parents should be. As a general rule, there should be one supervisor to every eight children under eight years old. If supervision levels are less than this, consider whether you should not allow direct contact with the animals for children under eight;
  • Discuss with the pupils the rules for the visit, stressing that they must not eat or chew outside the areas in which you permit them to do so;
  • Make sure that pupils wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy outdoor shoes or wellington boots if possible (not sandals)
  • Check that cuts, grazes etc. on children's hands are covered with a waterproof dressing;

During and after the visit, make sure that the children:

  • Do not kiss animals
  • Always wash their hands thoroughly before eating, after contact with animals and again before leaving the farm;
  • Clean or change their footwear before leaving, remembering to wash their hands after any contact with animal faeces on their footwear.

Check that the children stay in their allocated groups during the visit, and they;

  • Do not use or pick up tools (e.g. spades and forks) unless permitted to do so by farm staff;
  • Do not climb on to walls or animal pens etc.;
  • Listen carefully and follow the instructions and information given by the farm staff;
  • Approach and handle animals quietly and gently;
  • Do not chase, frighten or torment the animals.

Remember:

  • The children are your responsibility during the visit;
  • You should supervise them during the visit, in particular during hand washing to make sure that each child washes thoroughly. Farm staff may be able to help you with this supervision;
  • Allow plenty of time before eating or leaving so that the children do not have to rush.

If a member of your group shows signs of illness (e.g. sickness or diarrhoea) after a visit, advise them or their parent/guardian to visit the doctor and explain that they have had recent contact with animals.

Country Code (General behaviour in the countryside)

  1. Guard against all risk of fire
  2. Fasten all gates you open, leave others as you find them.
  3. Keep to public paths across farmland or where you are allowed to go.
  4. Keep your dogs under close control.
  5. Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls.
  6. Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone.
  7. Take your litter home.
  8. Help to keep all water clean.
  9. Protect wildlife, plants and trees.
  10. Take special care on country roads.
  11. Make no unnecessary noise.
  12. Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work.

Clothing and Footwear

Teachers will need to ensure that both they and their pupils come well prepared for spending a day outside. Farms are open to all the elements and the weather can change at short notice in the hills. Appropriate warm and waterproof clothing can be necessary at any time of year. Ground conditions can be rugged, slippery and muddy depending on season so sturdy waterproof footwear is always recommended.

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