VISITORS to Cogges Manor Farm in Witney will be able to pet 80 new farm animals when it reopens this season.

It is the first time the tourist attraction has had livestock since volunteers took control.

The new animals, including sheep, pigs, goats and cows, have been loaned by Foxbury Farm in Brize Norton.

Cogges had animals on the site two years ago, before Oxfordshire County Council cut funding and the attraction became volunteer-run. The first sheep were handed over this week and new Cogges director, Colin Shone, was there to welcome them.

He said: “We have always wanted to have animals back here.

“We had a short time to set up last year and it was difficult to put in place a large amount of animals, but we have had more time this year. Animals are part of an understanding of food, which is what Cogges is about.”

Foxbury Farm owner Colin Dawes said: “We did it for them two years ago when the council was running it, and we were happy to do it again now.”

The farm will officially reopen for the season on Saturday, March 31, with a ‘meet the animals’ day, which will include face painting and children’s activities. Cogges will also have new rabbits, which have been donated by the RSPCA to raise awareness of adoption and animal welfare.

The farm’s volunteers have been busy during the winter season and have weeded the walled garden area ready for an organic vegetable patch to be planted.

The site also has a new cafe.

The coming season will feature Easter activities between April 6 and 9, a beer and cider festival on August 3 and 4 and a series of plays.

It will also host the Witney Music Festival on May 5.

  • Cogges will be open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. For more information, call 01993 772602 or visit cogges.org.uk