ABOUT WAULKMILL MENAGERIE PETTING FARM

The menagerie was started by a dream to move to the country with two goats and a donkey! When the owner, Nikki, recovered from a serious illness, her family decided to make this happen. They said goodbye to village life in New Pitsligo and purchased an old farmhouse and a field. Very soon, the field started to fill up with various animals, many of which were hand-reared.

We are a not-for-profit social enterprise that is run by volunteers. We have been recognised by the Aberdeenshire council for our work placement programme.

During the week, we have additional needs and people suffering from mental health issues, etc, that volunteer or come for therapy with their carers. As well as work experience, they gain confidence, reduce stress, learn new skills and receive lots of animal therapy. We are always seeking volunteers, as they are a huge part of our plans. If this is of interest to you, then please contact us or get a form from reception.

Waulkmill Menagerie is not just for kids, all ages will love the experience with our very friendly hand-reared animals. Some of the animals were raised in the house, bottle fed and wore nappies. So, if you have not played with a goat on a trampoline or petted an emu, then Waulkmill Menagerie is the place to be.

Plan Your Visit

Open every Saturday and Sunday

• No booking is required

• Hands On Animal Experience
• Not Just For Kids
• Adopt An Animal
• Group Bookings

Animal Assisted Learning

Animal Assisted Learning Animal Assisted Learning (AAL) employs the presence of animals in a natural setting to support people with personal and professional development.

At Waulkmill all AAL sessions are facilitated by trained professionals, and are tailored to each individual client's specified needs to ensure individuals benefit from a positive learning experience.

Benefits of Animal Assisted Learning

AAL offers direct contact with animals in a natural setting to help individuals who are experiencing difficulties with a traditional educational environment. Those taking part benefit from a natural setting and with very friendly animals, also gives fun physical activities, gain work experience, improve stress levels, helps mental health and anxiety.

AAL can help personal and social development, increased self-esteem, better social skills and increase empathy and nurturing skills. At Waulkmill sessions are typically active and outside, meaning that physical activity and fresh air and the associated benefits of both are almost guaranteed.

Our Animals

Currently at Waulkmill, there are approximately 100 animals on site, including 1 horse, ponies, donkeys, goats, pigs, sheep, meerkats, ferrets, degus, chinchillas, 1 alpaca, 1 emu, 1 salcuta tortoise, rabbits, guinea pigs, giant African snails, rats, fancy mice, chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys.

During any particular AAL sessions, the opportunity to engage with a variety of animals will occur with the needs and preferences of the individual being taken into account.

AAL Sessions

AAL takes a holistic approach to learning and development through the variety of opportunities and activities that occur across the session.

Each session is designed to meet the specific needs of thos taking part, therefore no two sessions are identical although many of the same elements and activities may be present.

Some typical activities include: -

Grooming, taking a pony for a walk, cleaning stables. Riding is not offered as part of AAL at Waulkmill.

Grooming the goats, playing and general paddock cleaning. This helps individuals establish a friendship with the animals and develop communication skills such as giving voice commands, active listening, adapting communication style, confidence volume and clarity. Empathy, respect, responsiveness and body language also develop.

Handling, grooming and hutch cleaning the various small animals.

Sitting in a calm environment with the animals. Being around very friendly animals in a rural farm setting results in the stress being reduced, therapeutic and educational discussions taking place.

Engaging in animal care tasks around the farm. Active listening skills, taking instructions and staying task focused are key parts of animal care. Task completion benefits self-esteem and can alter individual self-perception.

Explore the woodland and lake area at the farm and make use of our play based learning activities.

While many sessions are on a one-one basis, some opt for a small group session to increase the opportunities for peer social interaction and team work, as well as scenarios where empathy, patience and sharing can be developed.

The number of sessions per individual are not limited and run on an open ended basis for as long as both the participant and Waulkmill feel they are benefiting from AAL.

Sessions are competitively priced and subsidised by other funding when available to ensure they are as affordable as possible. Session cost: 2hrs £20, 4hrs £35. Contact us for bespoke group session price.

Qualifications

Asdan in animal care - Our staff are happy to deliver the practical skills needed. All materials will need to be provided.

City & Guilds Diploma in Animal Care - This is 12 month online course from the College of Animal Welfare, again we are happy to mentor the individual through the course. More information about this course can be found on https://www.caw.ac.uk/course/level-2-diploma-in-animal-care-online-learning/

Referral Process

Schools, agencies or individuals who feel they may benefit from AAL should contact Waulkmill Menagerie by email as an initial enquiry with their contact information and requirements so that a member of our team can get back in touch to discuss the referral further.

The email address for Waulkmill Menagerie is waulkmill.menagerie@yahoo.com

Introduction and familiarisation visits to Waulkmill can also be arranged either for the individual being referred, family members or staff.