Less than a year ago the John family opened up their home and hearts to create a family-friendly petting farm in Bynea. The family’s small holding is now a scenic sanctuary for a whole host of animals and everyone who visits.

The ethos of the farm is about creating ‘a place where your worries disappear and you forget the normal daily hustle and bustle of life and enjoy the present moment with animals’.

Family fun at the farm

Stepping beyond the gates of the family cottage you instantly feel a sense of calm. You are met with panoramic views and the warmest welcome from the family including the mum, dad and two boys (and not forgetting the animals).

‘Spirit’ the micro pig (a firm favourite) is often waiting to meet you at the gates. You are soon introduced to the rest of the animals, including many that have been rehomed like ‘Tiny Timmy’, the 100 year old tortoise! There are chickens, beautiful horses, ‘Digby’ the donkey, cheeky goats (including two new baby kids, ‘Oreo’ and ‘Casper’). Adorable giant rabbits, squeakily cute guinea pigs and latest additions, ‘Barry’, ‘Barney’ and ‘Bob’ the sheep. Lots of the animals have been rescued and they are all now pets and very much a part of the family.

As a hands on petting farm, you are able to get up close to the friendly animals and even have a pony ride. You can feed the animals, pet them, groom them and learn what it takes to care for them.

The family say

“We want all the children and young people who come through our little farm gates to have the chance to be able to look back on their childhood with magical memories of playing outdoors, getting muddy, petting animals, learning all about them and having fun”.

Escapism for everyone  

Being invited into the family’s home feels like a real privilege. With no more than four families at the farm at any one time, visiting is a really personal experience and everyone is included and treated as an individual.

As well as family visits, the farm also host weekly toddler sessions that promote sensory and motor skills development. It’s also available for children’s parties and welcomes other groups including schools and organisations looking for a team building day with a difference. For a real insight into farm life, children can get stuck in at NEW ‘Farm Camp’ sessions where parents drop off their children for a really hands on experience.

The farm has also welcomed charity groups like ‘Carmarthenshire Youth and Children’s Association’ (CYCA) and homelessness charity ‘The Wallich’.

Animals as healers

Studies show that time with animals can reduce stress, anxiety and feelings of depression. It can help calm post-traumatic stress disorder, lesson the severity of panic attacks and help regulate mood disorders.

The Mental Health Foundation report that autistic people can benefit from having a pet, stating they “…provide the kind of unconditional relationship that can help someone build social skills and confidence. They can provide a sense of calm and reassurance… autistic children with sensory issues can involve their pet in sensory integration activities to help them get used to how something feels against their skin or how it smells or sounds”.

For people that can’t have pets, Brynteg Farm offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy quality time with the family’s pets and experience the love and joy animals bring.

The mammy of the farm, Zara John is a social worker with over 25 years’ experience working with children and adults with complex and additional needs. Zara said,

“One of our main focuses at the farm is working with children and adults to alleviate depression and stress. A child or adult can become so focused on their animal companion and being outdoors that they spend far less time engaging with worrying thoughts or traumatic memories. Autistic children in particular can benefit from spending time with our animals and we’ve seen a significant positive impact on children we support regularly at the farm.

We are really proud of the connection we’ve established with Burry Port Learning Centre who visit us every week. It’s been amazing to see the children’s confidence and communication skills develop each time they visit. The children are really special to us and we feel honoured to work with these schools and pupil referral units. It really is such a joy to be able to make a difference to children, adults and animals and we hope to broaden this support and have high hopes for the future of the farm”.

Booking your visit online at Brynteg Farm and Welbeing Sanctuary is essential. This means numbers can be managed so the farm remains a peaceful and positive environment for both visitors and animals. But get in quickly as the farm isn’t open every day and sessions sell quickly! Follow Brynteg Farm on Facebook to find out more.