A NEW family-friendly visitor attraction is to open its doors at Sky Park Farm in West Harting, one of the UK’s principal deer farms.

Located in the foothills of the South Downs National Park east of Petersfield, the working deer farm has evolved to offer a cafe, farm shop, butcher, adventure playground and farm trail – backed by the South Downs National Park Authority.

Visitors will be able to experience life on a working farm and explore the grounds for walking and picnicking.

In 2019 Sky Park Farm was awarded a grant by The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development to support the development of the farm shop and café building.

In the same year, the family-owned farm’s renovation plans were approved by the South Downs National Park Authority – which praised the application as “a great example of rural diversification that benefits communities and the local economy”.

And from May 21, members of the public will be able to see the result of these shining endorsements, as the farm re-opens its gates to the public.

An adventure playground (pictured above) offers a new woodland wonderland for children, while visitors to The Grazing Rooms cafe will be able to dine from breakfast to tea, with a variety of quality dishes satisfying everything from a light bite to a celebration meal.

Sky Park Farm is already recognised as a centre of excellence, selling venison to Waitrose for the past three years.

And a new farm shop will give locals the chance to shop for a full range of venison and other locally-sourced meat directly from the Sky Park Farm butcher, as well as quality produce from local milk to seasonal vegetables and cheese.

A new visitor centre will also give people an insight into deer farming and modern farmland management.

Pierce and Victoria Noonan, owners of Sky Park Farm, said: “We’re so excited to be opening our doors and sharing what we have created here at Sky Park Farm.

“We are passionate about preserving and enhancing the natural environment, nurturing the land for future enjoyment.

“We are a family-run business and have worked hard to offer something for all generations. Our mission is to ensure all visitors leave with a smile.”

Kat Beer, sustainable tourism lead for the national park, added: “It’s exciting to welcome a new visitor attraction to the South Downs National Park that will provide jobs and support other local businesses through its high-quality local food offer.

“It promises to give people a wonderful opportunity to learn more about landscape, nature and farming at a truly beautiful location.”

Sky Park Deer Farm is set to open its doors May 21 and for details see the website at www.skyparkfarm.com