Safe Access to Wood Farm

All4U Fostering Ltd

Lead Responsibility Marion K Layberry OBE

Operational Date 1st April 2017

Review Date October 2017

Signed by Director Marion K Layberry OBE

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Contents

Introduction Page 3

Cars and Vehicles Page 3

Pedestrians Page 4

Birds and Animals Page 4

Pest Control Page 5

Children Page 6

Food and Drink Page 6

Monitoring Page 6

Conclusion Page 6

This policy is for the guidance of all ALL4U FOSTERING staff and any visitors to the Kent Office so that they can remain safe and avoid harm whilst on farm premises.

Introduction

The Kent office of ALL4U FOSTERING is based in Wood Farm, Burlings Lane, Knockholt, Kent TN14 7PF.

Wood Farm is a working farm with many animals and various other live stock roaming the woods, fields, pastures and driveways. There are also many other hidden hazards, a large number of storage sheds out houses, barns and other areas where vehicles, farm machinery and various tools, equipment and materials are stored.

Some areas of ground drives and pathways are uneven, covered in plant growth, a carpet of leaves and bushes, which can contain hidden dangers.

It is impossible to fence off the whole of the farm and the farm owners cannot therefore be responsible for people who touch farm plant, equipment and materials which they have no reason to touch, or wander into areas which they have no right to be in.

For the above reasons it has been felt necessary to provide the guidance given below.

Cars and Vehicles

ALL4U FOSTERING's agreement with the Land Owner allows for staff and visitors to enjoy unrestricted access and free parking on the premises. However, this is always at the car or vehicle owners own risk.

The entrance drive way, which has been designated for ALL4U FOSTERING's use is, for the most part, an un-metalled farm track and users should ensure that they obey the signs and drive at a speed commensurate with that of a farm track, which may have hidden potholes and deep ruts. There is a small car park and, in order to accommodate as many vehicles as possible, they should be parked as closely together as possible consistent with being able to safely open the vehicle’s door for access, without damaging neighbouring vehicles.

The car park itself is overshadowed by many mature trees and, in stormy weather, these trees could shed branches, twigs and leaves which could cause damage if they fall onto a vehicle.

No promise is made by ALL4U FOSTERING that parking spaces will be reserved for staff or visitors. If the car park is full, and staff and visitors choose to park elsewhere on the property, then they can do so but by still leaving adequate room for the passage of farm and other vehicles.

There is the possibility that peacocks and other domestic fowl could climb onto cars and by doing so either cause scratches, or leave their excreta behind, which can do some damage to car paint finishes.

Peacocks are particularly renowned for responding to their reflection in the panels of a shiny vehicle. They see the image reflected as a threat and try to attack it. This could also cause damage to paint finishes.

Whilst reasonable efforts are taken to minimise damage, there is no guarantee that such occurrences will be completely eliminated.

Repairs to any resulting damage to vehicles will be the vehicle owner’s responsibility.

Pedestrians

Keep to designated paths and walk ways. Move onto verges when vehicles are passing. Some paths may be spotted with animal faeces which could be slippery and should be avoided.

Keep to the drive way, car park area and pathways to the office reception.

The Land Owner is happy for staff members and visitors to walk in the fields or the woods. They must, however, keep away from stored vehicles and farm equipment. They must make sure they do not tread into hidden potholes or animal scrapes. They must take note that, in wet weather, pathways become laden with water and can also become slippery, and during the autumn and winter, fallen leaves can hide holes and obstructions.

Tread with care.

Do not pick any flowers leaves or grasses. They may be poisonous in themselves, or be tainted with animal faeces.

Some wild flowers are protected species.

Do not walk into the barns or workshops which are out of bounds.

Keep away from moving farm equipment.

Do not touch electric fences. Avoid getting clothing snagged on barbed wire fences.

Avoid areas where farm work or construction work is being carried out.

Close all gates after use.

Do not enter any restricted areas.

Birds and Animals

Do not feed any of the birds or animals

Avoid startling the horses. They can sometimes bite and kick.

of 6 Revised 02 03 18 All4U Fostering Ltd Do not mount the horses to ride them, or go into their field.

There are dogs on Wood Farm and these are generally friendly and harmless, although they are inclined to bark at strangers. Ignore them if they approach.

There are a number of geese on the farm, and these can hiss and appear aggressive when approached. Ignore them and avoid intimidating them as they may react.

Be aware that whilst the deer can normally be approached and stroked quite harmlessly, he is still a wild animal and should be treated with respect. He does not normally show signs of aggression.

The peahens and cocks are normally quite docile but may be startled if you approach them.

Always wash your hands after touching any of the animals or their enclosures.

Some animals will be wild like squirrels, rabbits and foxes. These can carry disease and should not be touched. Do not stroke or pick up.

Pest Control

Wood Farm is an agricultural area and the owner has the responsibility to manage it with regard to the control of pests and vermin that may live on that land.

The boundaries of Wood Farm also contain a large acreage of woodland, which means that this has to be managed to the standards required by the Local Tree Preservation Officer, in conjunction with the Forestry Commission. This includes the control of pests, both animals and insect, that may cause damage to the trees within that woodland.

The owner has opted for the occasional use of traps as opposed to commercial poisons, which are often less environmentally friendly and likely to affect other animals and birds within the food chain. These traps may be set where squirrels, rabbits, rats and other pests may run and forage, usually in areas of undergrowth.

Traps will not be set around paths and bridleways, and will not normally be seen by ALL4U FOSTERING staff. However, if staff members take walks in the woods they may come across them, and they should therefore walk only on regular pathways and not through virgin undergrowth where traps may be set.

If staff members do see traps that have either been set and have been sprung, they may be distressed by this. It is unavoidable given the explanations above, and they should report them to the owner, with their location so, that they can be dealt with as appropriate.

The eradication of Vermin in Office premises

Occasionally, and particularly during harsh winters, mice and other vermin will migrate into office premises and staff must be aware of this and not leave food remnants around which could add to the attraction of a life indoors.

Experience has shown that the use of poisons on such occasions is problematic as the mice crawl into the building voids to die, creating difficulties for their disposal and causing uncomfortable conditions for staff.

The use of traps, whilst less efficient will therefore be employed.

Children

Children must be supervised at all times in and around the farm, and must not be allowed to touch the animals.

Children are not allowed in the fields or the woods unless they are supervised by a responsible adult who is familiar with this Policy Document.

If children wish to approach a farm animal (not a wild animal) they must be supervised and shown how to touch and stroke each animal correctly. They must also be shown when animals are becoming agitated and should therefore be left alone.

Food and Drink

Adults and children must wash their hands when they have been around the farm before eating food, whether they have been touching animals or not.

Do not eat any wild fruit, nuts and berries that may be found growing around the farm.

Do not drink any water that may have gathered or have been left in containers around the farm.

Monitoring

This policy and its contents will be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains relevant to the staff and others who may visit Wood Farm.

Conclusion

During the year, the farm and the animals on it can be enjoyed by many visitors through each changing season, so long as they remember the guidance given above is there to keep them, and others, SAFE.

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