Unique events venue launched following phased investment programme to diversify Staffordshire farm

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 20 July 2022

A Staffordshire farm has unveiled the final phase of a significant 3-year diversification programme which has seen over £800,000 invested in new areas of the farm attraction, a childcare facility and more recently The Deer Barn, a rustic style event venue for everything from business conferences and celebrations.

The 340m2 renovated barn at the National Forest Adventure Farm, located in Tatenhill, near Burton upon Trent completes a three-year phase of work to meet the owners’ vision of creating space and facilities which help families and businesses to get outdoors in the countryside and experience rural life.

The Deer Barn has beautiful wood panelled walls, a balcony, modern feature lighting and a licensed bar. The venue offers a blank canvas for any event for people to decorate and utilise however they wish – whether it be a special celebration, wedding reception or a business conference. With space for up to 160 people seated and 250 standing it is a versatile space and will support local businesses by using neighbouring suppliers for food, drink and other services.

This latest initiative follows investment in new activities in the farm attraction, including a musical maze, a new adventure golf, additional toilet facilities and outdoor catering areas. A dedicated childcare facility was opened in September 2021 which gives 140 children (96 FTE) the opportunity to learn about rural farm life through play.

Tom Robinson, who owns the site with his brother Ivor and whose family have farmed in the area for over 50 years, said:

“As a family we are proud to invest and diversifying our farm to bring the experience of the great outdoors to people and their families. Being outdoors has so many benefits both physically and mentally and it is why we continue to invest in facilities at the farm which help to give families and individuals access to rural settings.

“The completion of the conversion of the underutilised barn not only provides a unique venue space in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside but the scope for further local jobs and collaboration with local food, catering and hospitality providers.”

In September brothers Tom and Ivor Robinson, who own the 40-acre farm attraction, unveiled the new Adventure Farm Day Nursery which offers a unique childcare setting for children to play and learn at the farm.

Creating 15 FTE additional jobs and building a purpose-built new childcare facility from six weeks to school age children, it is part of the Robinson family’s continued commitment to supporting the local economy.

The National Forest Adventure Farm first started to open its doors to the public in 2004 when they created a maize maze on the site with an ice cream van providing refreshments. Since then, the themed maize maze has become a popular attraction every year and the activities have gone from strength to strength.

The farm attraction with its animal barn, indoor soft play, restaurant and outdoor play areas was launched in 2011. Since then, additional activities have been added including a JCB Big Dig Zone, Jurassic Canyon sand and fossil dig and accessible musical maze.

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