A Delph-based petting farm has reopened its doors to the public after a four-month closure.

First opening in 2016, owner Cindy Beck says the farm’s animals are really looking forward to getting to see all the children who visit again.

A family-run business, the farm closed its petting zoo and cafe for the winter period from January 2022.

The farm’s shop, which first opened its doors during the pandemic, remained open.

The shop offers produce from a variety of local companies – offering a home fruit and vegetable delivery service throughout the pandemic.

For now, the petting farm will open on weekends only, from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Little Owl Farm owner Cindy Beck spoke to the Oldham Times about the reopening.

Cindy said: “We had never had to close before, but unfortunately, we just didn’t have enough trade in the preceding months.

“We were closed for the pandemic, and we didn’t open until July 2021, and then we went until the end of 2021 and closed again for the winter.

“Now we’re going to be reopening this winter but just for weekends – Saturdays and Sundays.”

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The farm had previously been open five days a week.

“From a business perspective, we are proceeding with caution.

“We need people through the door, we need to be excited. We’ve got all the animals still, and we’ve not made any changes.”

The farm hopes to resume children’s birthday parties soon – for the first time in two years.

Cindy said: “It’s a little hour and a half session where they meet and feed the animals, and then they go into a party cabin for their buffet lunch and their birthday cake.”

Cindy added: “we’re really excited to be reopening after being closed for the winter season, and all our animals are looking forward to seeing all the kids.”

Tickets to the farm to meet and feed the animals are £5 per person or £18.50 for a family of four.

Children under one are admitted to the farm free, of charge – and booking ahead is not required.