Colliers Adventure Farm, a family-run indoor and outdoor play facility located on Caerphilly Road, Nelson, is thrilled to announce a significant step towards sustainability and improved visitor experience with the receipt of grants from the UK Government and Caerphilly County Borough Council.
The farm has successfully secured a £25,000 SPF Tourism Grant to install solar panels and £10,345 from the SPF Business Development Grant to enhance their facilities with air conditioning. They also received £22,880 from the SPF Rural Innovation and Investment Fund, supported by Cwm a Mynydd / RDP, to purchase a telehandler to improve feed and material handling while reducing the need to hire multiple contractors for maintenance and site cleanliness.
Since opening its doors on March 31st 2023, Colliers Adventure Farm has quickly become a beloved destination for families and schools in the local community and beyond. Visitors can engage with a variety of animals in a secure environment, while also benefiting from personalised educational activities tailored for school trips, available in both English and Welsh. The farm also proudly offers regular sessions for children with additional needs, ensuring inclusivity for all. Since its inception, the farm has employed 15 full-time and 20 part-time staff, contributing to the local economy.
Recognising the need to reduce their carbon footprint, Colliers Adventure Farm have worked closely with CCBC’s Decarbonisation Officers, who identified high energy costs as a key contributor to their carbon emissions. In response, the farm applied for the SPF Tourism Grant to install solar panels, which will help decrease energy expenses by an impressive 60%. This move to become energy independent not only alleviates the financial burden of utility bills but also allows the farm to reinvest in expanding their inclusive educational sessions and create new job opportunities for the community.
The SPF Business Development Grant will support the installation of air conditioning in the main visitor building, encompassing the Play Centre and Café. This improvement will significantly enhance air quality and ensure a more comfortable experience for guests, particularly during warmer weather when children are actively playing.
Alison Harris of Colliers Adventure Farm expressed her gratitude for the support received from Caerphilly County Borough Council. “The grants have made a tremendous impact on our business. As a relatively new venture, we have facilitated the installation of solar panels and air conditioning, leading to significant cost reductions and contributing towards our goal of decreasing our carbon footprint. We are extremely grateful for their help and continued support.”
Colliers Adventure Farm’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement has already been recognised, as they were awarded the Caerphilly Business Club Rural and Tourism Award in 2023 and the Environmental and Sustainability Award 2024 at the most recent Caerphilly Business Club Awards.
Sally Harvey, CCBC’s Senior Investment Officer, visited the farm and said “We are extremely happy to support Colliers Adventure Farm in becoming greener and helping to reduce their carbon footprint through the installation of solar panels. The addition of air conditioning will create a cleaner and more comfortable environment for staff and visitors. They have quickly become a popular destination for families and schools from the borough and beyond, and we look forward to following their journey.”
