Family fun at Deen City Farm

Review by Gail Shortland  

Living in bustling London means that my two-year-old son Finley is exposed to all sorts of experiences.

But the compromise is a lack of country-side on our doorstep.

I started to worry that he might not be able to recognise farm animals if they didn’t sport a huge Disney smile.

So when I heard about Deen City Farm, I whisked Finley down there to see if he could identify a duck if it wasn’t called Donald and dressed in a sailor suit.

The farm is a registered charity and is located between Wimbledon and Collier’s Wood.  

It’s free, which is a big bonus in these tight times, but donations are gladly received and very much deserved.

From the moment that Finley arrived, he was mesmerised by the giant turkeys, chickens, ducks, and sheep.

Two enormous pigs wallowed in a pile of mud, and Finley happily joined in by squishing around in his wellies while shocking a few cows into life with his loud ‘moos.’

I have to say I was relieved as he confidently pointed out animals from his countless story books.  

The farm work closely with local schools so has lots of allotment style gardens and recycling information displays for the older kids.

There’s a very popular riding school on site and they run holiday schemes – older kids can get stuck in and muck out.

It’s not the biggest farm – a couple of hours max and you’re done. It doesn’t have the rides and ball pools that so many have these days.

But that’s part of the charm.

Its size meant that Finley could get right up to the enclosures and really see the animals without distractions.

Their website and newsletter lets you know whether any animals have had babies so you can schedule your visit to see piglets or new calves.

There’s a little café for a refreshment stop, and a shop where you can buy fresh eggs.

Parking is limited so get there early or try the car park at the nearby Merton Abbey Mills and walk down along the pretty River Wandle.  

When we left, I felt content that Finley was on track with his animals.

Although I admit when he pointed to an alpaca and asked me what it was, I told him it was a very tall sheep.

I’ll tackle that on our next visit…

For more information visit www.deencityfarm.co.uk