Heeley City Farm welcomes visits from schools and groups. Groups are welcome to visit and explore the farm but please inform us of your visit and approximate numbers beforehand.

Group Visits
Unfortunately we do not have funding for a farm education worker but we do hope to have a dedicated worker in post again in the future. At the moment one of our volunteers or young people may be able to show your group around the farm if you let us know about your visit in advance.

A general farm tour includes meeting the animals, visiting the stables and small animal house, composting and food growing areas. The tour of the farm takes approximately an hour after which groups are encouraged to stay and explore further.

There is also a fantastic “Farm Explorer” activity booklet which engages children and young people in all aspects of the farm. The Farm Explorer booklet costs £1.50 per child and is a great way of stimulating interest and developing learning during the visit. (please request numbers beforehand.)

Schools and Colleges
Eco School and Environmental Education Visits

The Energy House at Heeley City Farm offers school groups an interactive visitor centre to base sessions on energy efficiency, sustainable lifestyles and climate change.
Topics could include:

• Saving energy in the home
• Renewable technologies
• Recycling & Composting
• Sustainable Building
• Green Gangsters and Eco Champions

The Energy House has a number of activities and displays to such as The Human Power Station, Recycling Game and Energy Centre Bingo. Please contact us to discuss requirements before you visit but we can offer education sessions from primary to university age groups and for all abilities. The Energy House is accessible for wheelchair users and comfortably accommodates 15 -20 learners at a time. We usually split school groups and offer the Eco-detective trail,or Farm Explorer handbook around the farm site or whilst a group are with our staff in the Energy House.

Family Fuel Busters
We can offer a number of Sheffield Primary Schools a free visit to the Energy House for primary age children to explore energy saving at home and learn how to become a “Family Fuel Buster!” This project is funded by ScottishPower Energy People Trust until October 2011 so please contact Vicky Moore on 0114 303 9981 ext 2 or syen@heeleyfarm.org.uk if your school would like to take part. 

Catering & Refreshments
Our community café is open from 10am – 4pm every day. Groups are welcome and encouraged to use the café but please let us know in advance if you have any specific dietary requirements.

If you’d like us to cater for your group please call us for a set menu and price guide. If your group is bringing a packed lunch there is a picnic area outside the café and we may be able to offer a poly tunnel to shelter under if you book in advance.

Shop and Souvenirs
We don’t have a permanent shop at the farm but we do have a stock of pocket money gifts and souvenirs if your group would like to buy something. Please let us know when you make the booking and we will have a selection for your group to choose from.             

Things group leaders need to be aware of before visiting
Please make sure that all members of your party are appropriately dressed with warm outdoor clothes, waterproofs and suitable footwear. Please do not wear sandals or high heels when visiting the farm.

Please be aware that we are a working farm and the site is accessible at all times by members of the public and used by a number of different groups and service users.

You are strongly advised to view the ‘Fact Sheets’ page before your visit. This includes our general risk assessment and links to other appropriate websites. Or we could post you a copy of the Advice to teachers fact sheet.

Contact details 
To inform us of a group visit or to arrange an informal farm tour by a volunteer please contact the Farm Manager Jill Brookes on 0114 2580 482 or email farm@heeleyfarm.org.ukTo book a school or group visit to the Energy House please contact the Energy House Coordinator Vicky Moore on 0114 303 9981 ext 2 or email syec.cc@heeleyfarm.org.uk

Please see the ‘Visiting Us’ page for instructions on how to get to the farm.

^ top