WITH Longdown Activity Farm closed due to Covid-19, the Echo takes a look back at the centre 30 years ago.

Longdown Dairy Farm – as it was called in 1990 – was only eight years old at the time, yet it had already captured the hearts of locals and attracted almost 60,000 people through the gates the previous summer.

A handful of organised school outings turned up at Longdown Dairy Farm near Ashurst in the first year, but soon came hundreds of families, schools, scouts and guide groups.

Goats, calves. rabbits, chicks, pigs and ducks kept the visitors occupied between milking times and the adventure playground – complete with a farming theme – was constantly covered with playful children.

If visitors were lucky enough to have picked the right day, they could even have witnessed a calve being born in the maternity unit.

To make a donation and help feed the animals during this tough time, visit longdownfarm.co.uk .