Monk Park Farm, Thirsk: New era at Yorkshire farm attraction with pig racing, online booking and more play areas under new owners

The catalyst for change came when brothers Tim and Phil Brierley took on Monk Park Farm in March 2021. Phil said he and Tim, who already run the caravan park next door, saw its potential and its synergy with their existing leisure interest.

“We had been neighbours for 20 years and when the farm came up for sale decided that, in terms of land, it was a sensible thing to buy, and very quickly realised just what a superb project Monk Farm Park was and is, and that we could develop something really great here for the animals and the public who come.

“There is an obvious synergy between a visitor attraction and the leisure industry. Fortunately, we also have a truly great team that doesn’t just have the experience of caring for the animals, looking after our visitors, marketing, retail and working with the community, they are also committed to what we are trying to achieve and making sure this is the best it can be.

Hayley, who is head of operations at Monk Park Farm, working closely with Tim, said that while the overriding feeling was one of providing fun and entertainment for all ages, there had been and continues to be much work going on behind the scenes.

“We have done such a lot in terms of the practicalities of getting the gates open to the public, moving booking systems online and just making it really simple for people to book to come to the farm.

“We have also made it more wheelchair and pushchair friendly with quite substantial areas made more accessible. We’ve put a huge marquee in the play area to deliver events and indoor space.

“Our whole play scene has been extended. We’ve electric go karts, ride-on toys and then there are the things we’ve upgraded that people won’t see like drainage, and connecting the waste to mains, which will make a huge difference because of the greater footfall we’ve attracted.

“Our first major seasonal event, our Easter offering, finishes this weekend but we are open right the way through to Hallowe’en and then we will have our second Christmas Special in December, which was a fabulous success with seasonal music, food and drink and a grotto last year.

“We are now also working in partnership with Jennyruth Workshops based in Ripon that trains adults with learning difficulties to make things for the farm for our special events. Being involved with the local community is so important to us and we have worked closely with local residents in our nearest village of Bagby. We want to be seen as part of the community. Last year our Royal parade, as part of the Queen’s Jubilee, went through the village.

Jack Wray provides expertise in retail and events and he’s behind Monk Park Farm’s new catchphrase ‘Ey Up!’

“We are all unashamedly Yorkshire folk and now the children who come can buy ‘Ey Up!’ t-shirts and sweatshirts with Monk Park farm on them, as well as the major new ranges of soft toys and other great purchases we’ve put into the redesigned shop, including a new ice cream range – and they can hold parties in our ‘Ey Up!’ party room and are looked after fantastically be Mel and Craig who are the beating heart of the Hungry Monk Café.

One man who is still at Monk Park Farm after 20 years is the man who looks after all the animals, Paul Elgey, a local man originally from Leeming village. Paul said he is excited about what is happening.

“I have always loved it here. All my life I’ve been involved with animals. I’ve worked on all sorts of farms. These last two years have been really positive for the farm and the animals.

“We are focussing more on pedigree animals and bringing in rare breeds. Manx Loaghtan sheep were brought in last year and we are looking to breed them for the first time next year. We now have the Swiss breed of Valais Blacknose. They provide a wow factor for the kids.

“We’ve already got Soay, Herdwick and Cameroon sheep and another rare breed with Teeswater. I’m looking forward to us bringing in other breeds too.

“Our cattle are Highland and Belted Galloway. We are also looking at bringing back Longhorn; we have Oxford Sandy & Black pigs, Vietnamese Pot Bellied and Mangalitza; and Golden Guernsey goats, to be joined by the rare Bagot breed.

Monk Park Farm is also home to albino wallabies, llamas, alpacas, red deer, fallow deer and a whole host of smaller petting animals including rabbits and guinea pigs. The investment in the future of the animals is music to Paul’s ears.

“We are looking at revamping the wallaby pens with more native plants, more shaded areas, caves and closer viewing areas where visitors can put their heads in like a glass bowl and view them close up without disturbing them from their natural habitat. The animals’ welfare is our number one priority and we are able to educate the visitors about the different species and breeds.

Paul has a brand-new task this year with miniature pigs bringing pig racing to the visitors.

“We have just built a new track and pen (stabling) area. I’m now a racepig trainer. I have a feeling my racepig training may involve a significant amount of bribery by food.

Phil said he is delighted with the way the team continues to breathe fresh life into Monk Park Farm.

“Everyone plays their part. Tim oversees everything and works very closely with the team, far more than me. He’s also very knowledgeable about the animals. Hayley turns her hand to lambing with Paul; Jack will turn his hand to anything; Paul knows everything about the animals; and we have a whole army of other casual team members, many of whom will love showing visitors how to sheep snuggle with the Swiss Valais. We also have a fantastic relationship with TV vet Peter Wright who is a big supporter of ours. And we’ve made Monk Park farm highly interactive. If you put a QR code on our signs they will speak to you.