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fairground rooves.
disabled access across the site, low viewing windows have been installed into many enclosures for wheelchair viewing, there is a Changing Places bathroom with a bed and hoist, there is even a disabled carriage on the big wheel attraction.
Eco-friendly additions Reaching the stage where they needed to think about replacing their go-karts with a new fleet, the time seemed right to embrace new technology and become the first attraction in Wales to offer an environmentally friendly alternative, explained Royston. Receiving funding from the Welsh Assembly Government as part of the Covid-19 Economic Resilience Fund, Folly Farm was able to make the switch to something more sustainable. The go-karts are powered by electricity supplied from solar panels across the
“The competitive element amongst parents and children comes to the fore, and visitors are really enthusiastic about the fact we’re doing our bit for the environment and embracing sustainable technology with our new electric karts.,” said Royston. “They’ve been really surprised that they’re the same speed as the petrol versions and for our younger audience they’re much less noisy as well as being better for the environment. I have a passion for motorsport and run the local Pembrokeshire Karting Championship, so being involved in project planning the arrival of our electric karts to Folly Farm, I was able to unleash my inner racing fan!”
The site also invested heavily in biomass heating back in 2017 to heat the barn, fairground, gift shop, offices and animal houses. A 15 acre willow plantation means it is fully self-sufficient in browse for the animals - and when the animals have stripped the browse of its leaves and bark, they are then wood-chipped for bedding for small mammals. “We’ve also recently planted 1,000 trees on land surrounding our new holiday park and turned over farm paddocks as meadows to encourage local wildlife and for the enjoyment of guests staying with us.”
Post-pandemic recovery
“I think now more than ever, people are looking for good value and good customer service,” Royston said. “The pandemic has been tough for everyone, individuals and businesses, and we’re no different. It’s been tough on the team mentally and physically and the financial side has been a challenge for animal attractions in particular. You can’t furlough the animals! Nor can you furlough the staff required to look after them, and there’s the ongoing food, heating and veterinary costs. So, we’re very pleased to be back open giving visitors what they need now more than ever – a fun day out with the family.
The team has worked hard to reopen safely, Royston explained, whilst also making sure visitors can expect the same Folly Farm feel and friendly atmosphere. “We’re a huge 120 acre site, predominantly outdoors, so the main measure we’ve taken is the pre-booking requirement alongside significantly reduced capacity – we’re still running at less than 50% of our maximum capacity – which allows visitors the space to move around freely.” The team has also removed all events and activities which encourage visitors to congregate, such as zoo
50 SUMMER PART 3 2021
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