This is when Sheffield's Graves Park Animal Farm is reopening – and what families can expect with new changes

The attraction in Norton is set to return on July 27, says the city council which runs the site – and while admission will still be free, families will need to reserve a slot to pay a visit.

Up to 50 people at a time will be able to see the animals during 45-minute sessions that will run from 10am to 4pm every day.

As well as limiting numbers to enforce social distancing guidelines, other safety measures will include the use of hand washing and sanitising stations, cleaning after every session and reducing the amount of activities available.

Jack Tankard, the farm's head stockman, kept children entertained during lockdown with virtual tours of the site via Facebook Live.

“We’ve been really busy looking after the animals and maintaining the farm,” he said.

"We wanted to stay connected to all our families across the city and we’ve been overwhelmed with how popular the virtual tours have been.

“Now we can’t wait to welcome everyone back – we’ve missed having people around and so have all the animals. They’re so used to seeing all the children so it’s been as weird for them as it has for us.”

Visitors must bring proof of booking and are asked to arrive 10 minutes early to listen to a safety briefing before entering.

No toilets are available on the farm – the nearest public toilets are located at the Rose Garden Café in Graves Park. The farm shop will be closed, and visitors are asked to eat and drink outside the farm area.

Time around popular animals, such as the shire horse and ponies, may be limited to 10 minutes so everyone can meet them within their 45-minute slot.

Animal petting is permitted, but sanitiser must be used before and after. Guinea pig handling sessions will not be on offer initially, and nor will the farm’s go-karts.

Children can use the farm's red tractor, but parents must make sure their hands are sanitised before and after use.

People can book up to five tickets at a time by clicking here. Forty tickets will be available online for each session, with 10 kept back for those without internet access.

Coun Mary Lea, the council's cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure, said demand was expected to be high.

“We’re proud that even with all these extra measures in place we can still offer this wonderful attraction for free. Donations, no matter how much, contribute to the running of the farm and the welfare of our animals, so if visitors can spare a small amount this makes a huge difference.

“I would encourage families to start planning early to avoid disappointment and hope you all have lots of fun.”

Meanwhile the farm is launching a scheme where children can sponsor an animal in return for benefits such as a ‘meet and greet’ – there are two packages available, the ‘best friend’ for £25 or the ‘buddy’ at £15.

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