Forums Forums Local News Urban farm loses Ranger

So sad - in the latest round of cuts, the seasonal Ranger's contract at Tam O'Shanter urban farm in Bidston is not being renewed. His contract has already been extended; he is a real asset to the place and the farm had high hopes that he would be able to stay on, which would give the farm two (paid by the council) members of staff. He has worked so hard, and run many craft activities for visiting children. The farm is now having to face the possibility that it might have to close to the public (the animals would still be looked after) one day a week - the most likely day being a Saturday. The farm hopes to be able to avoid this, but the safety of visitors has to be a priority. These are very challenging times.
Watch this space, as the saying goes...

Sad news !

So very sorry to hear this news.My family have visited many times over the years and have always enjoyed it so much.

Sad news indeed. Why couldn't a couple of WBC councillors or other similar drains on society be "disappeared", seeing as they are Hell bent on cutting services ??

The joys and benefits that the farm has given to people, young and old over the years is incalculable.

if we lose the farm then i fear we will lose families visiting Bidston hill as a whole and that would be a shame

Don't panic - yet! We will not lose the farm, as things are; we might have to close it to the public on one or more days a week though, due to health & safety considerations. This would not only impact on visitors, but on user groups. Visitors to the hill and windmill, Flaybrick etc all use the farm's facilities. We have prided ourselves on being open all year in the past; only recently have we shut the farm to the public on Christmas Day, to give the cottage tenant a little privacy. It would be very sad if we had to go to five days a week or something - we'll have to see how things work out.

there is a facebook page in support of the farm too

https://www.facebook.com/Keeptamoshanterfarmopen

A lot of the comments on that page were, unfortunately, based on the mistaken belief that the farm was threatened with complete closure by the Council, which is not the case at all. I think councillors will have received a lot of irate emails based on that assumption - ouch! The Council has now released a statement making their position clear.
https://www.facebook.com/wirralcouncil?fref=ts

I'd be intrigued to know:
A - when those who are backing the 'don't close' campaign last visited the farm?
B - how much they donated whilst there?

Ah, that I imagine we will never know! There are a lot of young volunteers and visitors past and present on there, and others connected with the farm - also, no doubt, sympathetic souls who appreciate the value of what the farm offers, or what it means to their friends, even if they haven't been themselves.

I hope those who haven't been yet do go along and explore it - that would be good. As for donations, we do have donation boxes on the farm - and Bogus Betty, who moos when coins are posted into a slot on her nose! People can also join the 'Friends' group (application forms available from the farm office) - we'd welcome more members, and it's only a fiver a year.

WELCOME TO WIRRAL - THE LEISURE PENINSULA

What a joke! Perhaps this should have the addendum " when open "

Latest news from Wirral council... Bidston Hill,Tam O'Shanter Farm & Cottage to become self sufficient ! Because no b*gger will going there soon !

Update from the farm's Management Group: Due to some pretty nippy footwork by the Farm Manager and the Woodworkout staff based on the farm, it has been arranged that - in the short-term at least, the farm will stay open as usual on Saturdays. They are working on finding a long-term solution to the issue.

Please support Wirral's only free-admission public urban farm by visiting, and donating to it if you are able. Thanks!

If you'd like to show your support for the farm by joining the 'Friends' group, the application form is now available on the website, as well as from the farm office.