A brand-new, working deer farm is set to open its gates to visitors on the Isle of Wight this week – with plans for a working abattoir within 12 months.
The farm, situated in ‘Paradise Valley’ at Nunnery Lane on the outskirts of Newport, will welcome both Islanders and tourists alike to enjoy stunning scenery overlooking rolling countryside. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore wildlife in guided walks and tours through nature – all in an incredibly peaceful area at the very heart of the Island.
There are plenty of deer to see within the 334-acre farm, which already home to 145 Red Deer and 61 Fallow Deer – a number which is continually growing as the calving period is in full swing.
There has been a small herd grazing the land for over 15 years – unbeknown to most Islanders – but after recently being acquired by Natural Farm Produce Ltd, 70 additional deer have been introduced. All calving has been retained to increase growth, in line with the company’s future expansion plans for the fully working farm.
Within the next 12 months it is hoped that permission from local and national authorities will be granted for a small 1-3 carcass-a-day abattoir at the farm, in order to minimize the stress for the animals and maximize their wellbeing by not requiring them to be transported with a lory to the mainland.
Deer meat brings a whole host of health benefits, not only for its staggeringly low 1.2-1.4% fat content but also for its large protein intake (21-32%) as well as the high quantities of Iron, Phosphorous and Zinc (between 16-31% of the daily recommended intake). This all adds to ensuring a healthy and balanced diet.
The Isle of Wight Deer Farm aims to be environmentally and economically sustainable, as well as becoming a model farm to teach both visitors and academics alike.
Schools are set to be welcomed to the farm for their field-trips and excursions and as the farm continues to increase the number of deer, Natural Farm Produce will promote professional visits from experts in the deer sector, as well as from universities and colleges and other interest groups.
Furthermore, the farm is looking to work with local chefs and worldwide cuisine experts to create new recipes in order to expand and share the knowledge of the excellent properties of venison.
For the initial launch of the farm, guided walking tours and driven-guided tours will be available to visitors which can be booked through their website or by telephone.
The appeal for visitors spans throughout the whole calendar year, with everything from the summer birthing season, antler growth plus stags and bucks roaring for the rutting season between September and November. There is, of course, the opportunity for fantastic Christmas pictures and stunning photographic opportunities at Easter time when antlers are cast.
Juan L. Vicente, Director of Natural Farm Produce Ltd explains:
“We hope to showcase the conservation of these animals and aim to grow the herd to become one of the most significant deer farms in the UK.
“We will focus on deer but will always have in mind the soil conservation, the animal care and contributing to biodiversity.
“We want to spread the knowledge about deer and the properties of venison, leading to the education of both professionals as well as the general public on the full life-cycle of these spectacular creatures and their health benefits to humans”.
Future plans of the farm include a focus on selling high-quality venison to the general public via it’s very own farm shop – as well as a visitor center and more.
For full details on the farm and it’s aims, see their website at www.isleofwightdeerfarm.co.uk.
Nice place for a family visit with an abattoir
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore The abattoir
Will it be deer to get in?
That’s Newclose Farm, not Paradise Valley which is half a mile further south.
Hope the deer are clear of the ticks that carry Lyme Disease
Well I think is about time people really knew where their meats come from. Not wrapped in plastic, nor between 2 baps. Animals really do have to go to slaughter if you want to eat meat.
As they say if slaughter houses had windows no one would rest meat.
I’m sure this place will dispatch the deer in the best way, why else would you invite people to visit.
I love meat, but I also understand the process of field to fork. Many others don’t. Never tried it, but will have a go.
Dear all,
We see there has been a slight confusion, as someone has answered a previous comment giving erroneous information.
To date there is no abattoir in the farm. Therefore there will be no visit during the tour to something that does not exist.
The farm will have two independent revenue streams: on the one hand the farm visits, and on the other the sale of animals (be it for genetics -life animals- be it for sacrificing in a mainland abattoir, or for sales to local restaurants, butchers, etc), as all farms do.
What we will be requesting is a tiny, minuscule abattoir, where to be able sacrifice 1-3 animals a day in 1-3 years time, and we do it to increase the wellbeing of the animals and to reduce the stress they suffer when they are loaded into a lorry that takes them into mainland.
In any case the abattoir was not going to be included in the visits, except for those that specifically request it.
We are sorry about the inadequately portrayed information, and hope to be able to clear the confusion in an interview we had been requested by Vectis Radio on the 20th of August on its Afternoon Show at 1’30pm.
But the best way to cure any prejudices is to visit the farm and see for yourself how we do our farming and how do we take care of the animals.Looking forward to seeing you all at the farm to solve any of your doubts.
Regards,
#IOWDeerFarm
Would think it would be a lot better than putting the animals through a hell of a lot of stress but going by boat to mainland to be .culled.
Boxed up on lorry, delays, boat trip, stress. Dispatching on the same farm can only be the best way to reduce it.
Yes it’s not a nice thing to do to any animal….. but if you want your meat…
I love venison, such a rich tasty meat and really good for you. I cant wait to visit and take some to make some delicious recipies.
All the better for being locally sourced.
Love the idea of another wildlife place to take the kids. Just hope the slaughter house is out of sight.
Is Nunnery Lane to be made ‘one way’ or is a different access to be opened up off of Watergate ?