Terms and Conditions
In proceeding with your booking, you are confirming that you have read and agree to the following:
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- When working with animals you never know what to expect, we spend time with the animals every day, and they are generally very friendly and loved been fussed over, cuddled and groomed, but like people, animals can have off days, can be unpredictable and act ‘out of character’, guests participate with this understanding and at their own risk, because of this we have to point out that guest experiences may vary, and Dumble Farm is not liable for any accidents due to unpredictable animal behaviour.​
- Under 18's must be accompanied by a paying adult, all our hands on experiences are for over 16's only.
- Walks are weather dependent and if the weather is unsuitable for walking (e.g. to hot, rain doesn't bother Highland cows) we will ask our guests if they can start at a different time, or cancel the walk and offer an alternative date.
- All treks are supervised by a suitably trained and experienced employee, customers are not permitted to take the animals unaccompanied or leave the group with the animal.
- Treks include a safety briefing at the start, anyone not adhering to the information provided in this briefing will be asked to leave the walk without compensation.
- There will be a maximum of 3 Highlands per walk. Please remember that you may be sharing your walk with other people.
- Customers must dress appropriately. Please wear closed toe sturdy shoes. Sandals are not suitable and we will not walk with anyone not wearing appropriate footwear. Loose fitting clothing that may flap is also unsuitable. We still walk in rain so please bring waterproofs if necessary.
- Once a booking is made it is non refundable after 24 hours (minus fees). Bookings can be rescheduled, but must be at least 10 days before the event, and will incur a £5pp rebooking fee.
- The walks take place on a farm and there will be mud. Please bear this in mind as shoes can get dirty and we will not be held responsible for this or compensating for damages to clothing.
- Dumble Farm is open all year round, but the experiences on offer may vary depending on the time of year.
- We will request an email address mobile phone number from you on booking and will leave messages on both of these if there is a cancellation due to weather or other circumstances, please check as we will not be held responsible for missed messages on your part.
- A risk assessment has been undertaken for each trekking route and is available upon request.
- During the walk we sometimes take photos and videos that will be published to our social media profiles and website, please let us know if you do not want your photo/video taken.
- The walk experience option requires a moderate level of physical capability for you to be able to participate fully. We must be made aware of any medical condition or physical impairment which may affect your ability to participate. This includes visual or hearing impairments and pregnancy. If you are unsure of your ability to participate fully, please discuss this with us, at the time of booking.
- Parking - management accepts no responsibility for vehicles or their contents, which are left in our car park entirely at the owner’s risk.
- No dogs are allowed anywhere on the premises, and dogs should not be left in vehicles in the parking area unattended.
- Any behaviour such as drunkenness, violent or abusive conduct, which may constitute an annoyance to other guests or staff is prohibited.
- Anyone displaying lewd, offensive or threatening behaviour (either to guests or staff) will be removed from site without a refund.
- Please be mindful that you will be working with animals. They do not tolerate loud
behaviour. If customers are behaving in an overly boisterous manner, we will have to bring the experience to an early end for the safety of the visitors and animals.
- The animals can sometimes react to strong scents, it is recommended to not wear perfumes.
- Gift vouchers must be redeemed by the expiry date.
- Data protection: at Dumble Farm we take your privacy seriously. We will only use your personal information and contact details in order to complete the booking process and to keep you informed of any updates and offers relating to the farm. Your personal details will not be used for any other purpose or passed on to a third party. Payments can be made via our secure online payment processor Paypal. On site payments can be made by card or cash.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY POLICY
The policy applies to all staff, management, volunteers, participants and public. The farm has a duty
to provide and maintain a safe working environment which is inclusive and accessible for all. The
farm is committed to ensuring equal opportunity, fair treatment and adhere to the Equality Act
2010.
All policies and procedures will reflect the farm’s commitment to inclusivity, and it will be
incorporated into planning processes. An ethos of fairness and respect will be created that embraces
all visitors and staff.
The farm will ensure fair treatment regardless of any of the prohibited characteristics including:
Race, nationality, sex, gender, marital status, maternity, abilities, physical and mental health, age,
sexuality, religious or political beliefs, socio-economic group, trade union activity or being an ex-
offender.
Ensure all activities are inclusive to staff, volunteers and visitors, based on the task and their
abilities.
Develop opportunities that consider patterns of under-representation, with a view to encouraging
greater diversity within activities and visitor accessibility.
Regularly monitor and review the policy operation, identify and address any issues, ensure fairness
in all terms and conditions.
The farm welcomes people with a range of abilities or other additional needs, plus ensures
information communicates a commitment to inclusivity.
The farm is striving to achieve good disabled access.
Diversity is welcomed in all farm staff, volunteers and participants. It expects all work should be
done in ways to promote inclusive practice, creating an atmosphere that is tolerant and respectful of
differences.
A commitment to equal opportunities is expected of all staff.
The following government legislation provides a framework for policy and practice:
Equality Act 2010, Children and families Act 2014, GPDR May 2018, Working Time Regulations 1998,
Part-Time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000, Fixed Time Workers
(Prevention of Less Favorable Treatment) Regulations 2001.
All members of Dumble Farm have a responsibility to comply with all the current legislation and with
this policy.
The undersigned will take necessary steps to ensure implementation of the Equality and Diversity
policy on behalf of Dumble Farm Limited.
Fiona Wilson
HEALTH AND WELFARE PLAN
Dumble Farm is dedicated to continually improving animal welfare. The basis of the welfare
assessment within the system is known as the ‘Five Freedoms’.
FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NATURAL BEHAVIOUR
- All animals have ample space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind. Farm
staff will remain skilled, knowledgeable and conscientious with regards to animal behaviour
and their environment.
FREEDOM FROM INJURY AND DISEASE
- All animals to be treated with respect and dignity throughout their lives and provided with a
humane death. Animals are inspected daily, and all farm staff are very experienced in animal
husbandry. All new staff or volunteers will be trained to recognise any signs of ill health and
report it immediately. Any signs of illness or disease will be treated immediately and
appropriately by experienced and qualified staff or by the vet if necessary. All medicine,
treatments and illnesses are documented in the farm medicine record (separate for cattle
and alpacas). All animals are regularly wormed and provided with appropriate minerals. The
alpaca faeces are cleaned up daily to reduce the risk of worms. Cattle are foot trimmed in a
specialist crush by an experienced member of staff. The cattle are TB tested every 4 years
and monitored for major diseases (reports stored in office). Alpacas have their fleece
removed annually. A herd health plan is discussed with and signed by the vet is accordance
with Red Tractor Farm Assurance specifications (kept in file). If an animal is thought to have
an infectious disease it is isolated in accordance with the isolation plan.
FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT
- Animals to be provided with an appropriate environment including shelter and a resting
area.
- Alpacas have constant access to both grass field and indoor area. The inside space can be
used for shelter from rain or sun, it has thick matting, straw bedding, hay rack and water
trough. It provides space to feed, lie and feed without competition.
- Alpaca Cleaning regime -Fresh straw is spread daily and the pen is cleaned out monthly.
Faeces from both the outside and inside area are collected daily. Water tanks inspected
daily.
- Cattle during the summer have large fields in which to lie, graze and exercise. Trees and
hedgerows provide shelter from rain and shade from sun. During winter when the cattle are
housed they have ample area to feed, lie and exercise without competition.
- Cattle Cleaning Regime – Cattle pens are bedded two or three times a week as necessary
with clean, fresh straw, feeding area is scraped daily. Pens are completely mucked out every
2-3 months as necessary. During the summer months when pens are unoccupied they are
cleaned out fully.
- Goats have a secure outdoor area, with a constant supply of food and water and access to a
bedded dry hut all year round.
FREEDOM FROM THIRST AND HUNGER
- All animals have access to fresh water via tanks in every field or pen if housed. All water
tanks are checked daily to ensure they are clean and functioning correctly. If there is a
problem with a tank that animals need access to, the issue is dealt with immediately.
- Animal Feeding Regime - All animals have continuous access to either fresh grass, hay or
silage. In winter months, the Alpacas are fed 220g per day per animal with a recognised
alpaca feed in a dedicated trough. The young beef are fed 1kg per animal during grazing
season and 2kg per animal at a feed fence when housed. Feed analysis is kept in the office.
Feed plans are written in conjunction with the For Farmers nutritionist.
- All animals are body scored regularly and monitored daily to ensure they are receiving the
correct level of food for their age/pregnancy status/activity level. If there are any signs of
them becoming either over or underweight the feed is adjusted accordingly.
FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND DISTRESS
- All animals will be free from conditions that lead to mental suffering. The utmost care will be
taken when handling and transporting.
- Transportation procedure – no animal is transported during their life on the farm.
Transportation only takes place to move animals onto or off the holding when bought or
sold. The trailer used for transportation is inspected as part of Red Tractor Farm Assurance
and the transport emergency plan is filed in the office. Animals for moving are grouped
beforehand to ensure they are familiar with each other. Loading takes place from a secure
pen with gated race areas to ensure minimum stress. Animals are only transported if fit to
travel, no sick or lame animal is moved.
- Death – any animal that is seriously ill or injured will be promptly euthanised by the vet or
qualified fallen stockman (John Lord or Websters) to ensure no further suffering. Any animal
that has died on the premises is covered in left in a specified place until it can be collected.
- Security – the entrance to the farm is gated and locked with a combination padlock (code
only known by farm managers). The perimeter of the farm is securely fenced with closed
gates at intervals, so in the event of an animal escaping from its enclosure it is very unlikely
it can get past the farm boundary. This ensures a much-reduced danger or stress to an
animal that has been separated from its group. All animals are checked daily to ensure they
are in their correct place. A farm manager is on site every day and overnight.
- Escape – if an animal has escaped from its enclosure, it is first ensured the boundary is
secure then the animal is returned to its group. If the animal escapes into neighbouring field
or into the village it is retrieved immediately to reduce any stress on the animal.
DUMBLE FARM SAFEGUARDING PROCEDURE
Dumble Farm staff will:
Treat everyone with whom they come into contact with respect, valuing and listening to them.
Ensure safeguarding best practice is adopted in all policies.
Keep their private and public relationships with the public separate.
Ensure there is never a single member of staff left alone with any member of an at-risk group.
Exercise caution when discussing sensitive subjects with children or vulnerable adults.
Treat and handle safeguarding information securely when storing, sharing or accessing the
information. Information access must respect GDPR.
Take action swiftly if any allegations against staff or volunteers are made.
Only touch members of the public when strictly necessary, for example when administering first aid.
Exercise their right to whistleblow if they are concerned safeguarding issues are being mismanaged
or ignored.
Always maintain confidentiality including with family and friends.
Take any information seriously, listen and report to the relevant child protection officer.
Ensure all members of staff are recruited safety and are familiar with the safeguarding policies and
procedures.
Obtain consent from parents or carers to film or photograph children or vulnerable adults taking
part in an activity.
Avoid putting themselves in a situation that might lead to an allegation of misconduct.
Contact
Any matter of concern will be reported to Fiona Wilson, the nominated child protection lead. The
information will then be passed on to the parent, carer or school’s child protection officer.
fwilson861@gmail.com 07949308203
In case of the requirement of further advice or investigation contact LADO - Local Authority
Designated Officer at East Riding Council. siobhan.bath@eastriding.gov.uk
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY
At Dumble Farm, our core values are conservation, sustainability and ethical practices. We aim to
protect the natural environment, create new habitats, improve the local economy and have a
positive impact on our visitors.
We are a small family run working farm based in the peaceful river Hull valley since 1972 and
understand the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.
CONSERVATION
We have around 150 acres of land in a higher tier countryside stewardship agreement. We are
providing habitats for declining bird species by creating wetlands. These wetlands simultaneously
capture carbon, helping fight climate change, plus assist with flood alleviation and peat preservation.
Our grasslands support a range of wildflowers, essential to insects and butterflies. The planting of
thousands of hedge plants and the digging and restoration of ponds and areas of scrub, create
wildlife corridors and add to the range of habitats for birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, amphibians
and plants. In the last few years, we have planted around 800 hundred trees, these contribute to the
flourishing biodiversity on the farm and offer shade to livestock. We have grown trees from seed on
the farm, these will be planted in the next few years as part of our ongoing tree planting aims.
There are no artificial fertilizers used on the farm and we aim to fight weeds by using natural
predators. We are breeding dock beetles that can be introduced into problem areas to control the
spread of invasive docks, this way no chemical weed killers need to be used.
RECYCLING
We believe sustainability goes beyond just stewardship however, we aim to reuse material wherever
possible. We have used coppiced wood to create brash walls and log piles, these provide homes for
insects and birds. Old hay is piled up for snake refuges and used tin sheets are laid down in the sun
for reptiles to hide under. Old bricks, tiles and drainage pipes have been made into a hibernaculum
for amphibians, donated wood offcuts have been turned into nesting boxes. The ‘Dumble Bus’ trailer
was made by us, from a retired grass collecting machine and parts of our old milking parlour. We plan
to make willow bird watching screens from coppiced willow and re-use fencing and building material
whenever possible.
ENERGY AND WATER
The farm has solar panels so that we can generate our own electricity, a biomass boiler to reduce the
use of fossil fuels and water is supplied sustainably from our own bore hole.
REDUCING TRANSPORT AND SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES
Food supplied to guests is cooked on the farm, using ingredients from the farmhouse garden and
local suppliers wherever possible. Leftover food is composted or fed to the farm animals where
suitable.
We work closely with our neighbours ‘Laurel Vines’ at Aike, running tours that allow visitors to see
the wildlife habitats at both locations and learn about sustainable wine and farming methods. Guests
also enjoy locally produced food and drink.
Dumble Farm has strong links with Tophill Low nature reserve a short distance away. We are
increasing the nesting habitats for many of the birds that frequent the reserve, plus we hope to
introduce rare plant species that are being propagated there, thus helping them to thrive in the
wider area.
We are working with Yorkshire Water to install turn platforms and sandmartin banks at our tranquil
lake. We have support from the Hull Natural History Society who have undertaken a wildlife survey
for us and the local RSPB group who will be assisting with bird surveys. We have supported local
charities and one of our main aims is to promote the amazing landscape and wildlife we have in East
Yorkshire.
The male animals will be used for beef, the slow growing, sustainably farmed cattle will be butchered
locally, and the meat will be sold straight from the farm.
Farmer Fi (Fiona Wilson) is CEVAS accredited and Dumble Farm welcome local school groups. We
provide children with the opportunity to learn about conservation, where food comes from and the
benefits of eating locally and sustainably produced meals.
VISITORS
At Dumble Farm we believe that wellbeing is a core part of sustainability, as a family we support each
other and welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities. We prioritise a safe and inclusive work
environment that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all.
By combining sustainable farming, animal welfare and wildlife conservation, we aim to make a
positive and meaningful impact to all visitors to the farm, where they can join us with a love of
animals, the beauty of nature and a feeling of wellbeing.