Farm & Zoo History

Recently, the farm has undergone a rebrand to White Post Farm & Zoo. So, we wanted to take you through our history since 1988, when it first opened as a farm park.

White Post Farm opened over 30 years ago in 1988 and grew in the way that most farm parks do.

The original animals included all of the usual suspects, and a few exotics too, such as Rhea, Meerkats & Reptiles. In 2004, the farm underwent a management buyout, which led us to where we are today.

Becoming a Zoo

We had our first zoo inspection in September 2019, and whilst we didn’t get a full ‘yes’ on the day, we received a ‘little bit more work, and you will be there’. We ploughed on with the advice we were given and eventually got our zoo license in March 2020… unfortunately, days before lockdown!

However, once restrictions were lifted, the zoo license allowed us to expand our animal collection, introducing new species and enclosures, and new opportunities to educate our visitors.

 

Mission Statement

“To promote animal welfare and the conservation of native species, while providing an exciting and educational experience for our visitors and students.”

 

Ethical Statement

” Committing to provide care, treatment and general husbandry for all animals to the highest welfare standards”

How do we achieve this?

Education

Our Education Clubs, including Little Farmers and Ranger academies – working with children of all ages to inspire a passion towards animals, their welfare and conservation of the natural world. Providing opportunities for a wider audience, not just general admission visitors, such as our Home Educated groups.

Our schools & Group visits include guided tours, self-led visits and uniformed groups. Our outreach programmes include taking our education out into the community to expand the number of people whom we see and educate.

Partnerships with colleges and universities – practical learning, work experience and careers talks.

Conservation Projects

We have many different conservation projects and partnerships:

• Rare Breeds Survival Trust
• Bumblebee Conservation Trust
• British Beekeeper Association
• Butterfly Monitoring Scheme
• Transects
• Crayfish Projects
• Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trusts
• The Conservation Project

Research

We have contacts with the local colleges and universities, which has led to this very nicely. We work closely with: Lincoln College, West Notts College, Nottingham University & Nottingham Trent University.

Continuous personal development is also a huge part of the team’s commitment to conservation, as they love to get involved in hands-on activities with their learning and visiting other small zoos.

Events

We have run many events to promote conservation on site:

• What’s The Buzz? A Sensory Summer
• World Bee Day
• One Big Wild Summer
• 30 Days Wild with The Wildlife Trusts
• The Big Garden Birdwatch

White Post Farm & Zoo

We are thrilled to be reintroducing the site as White Post Farm & Zoo in August 2026, as we welcome the arrival of our very exciting new animal.