Melsop Farm Park in Norfolk announces it will reopen

Melsop Farm Park in Scoulton, near Watton, closed its animal attractions in June after a long-running feud with Breckland Council. 

The licensing dispute dates back to 2021 but came to a head in summer last year when the processing of a new exhibition application led the park to miss out on profits from its peak season, followed by its full closure in September. 

The park has now announced it will be reopening on Saturday.

Jordan Stone, co-owner, said: "We are incredibly lucky to still be here and I want to thank every single person who has supported us while we have been closed.

"We have been overwhelmed by the incredible support from the local community which kept us going over what have been really difficult months.

"I cannot wait to have people back and be able to display our collection of rare breeds and small animals. It is what we do best and need people’s support now, more than ever, to help us rebuild."

Jordan Stone, owner at Melsop Farm Park (Image: Simon Barnes)READ MORE: Bird once extinct in UK makes record return after Norfolk Broads project

Melsop Farm Park is one of only 26 attractions across the county to receive accreditation from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust for its unusual selection of creatures. 

It is home to rare sheep, cattle, pig and goat breeds.

The farm is home to rare breeds of goat (Image: Matthew Usher)Mr Stone said: "There are times I have questioned if reopening day would come - the seemingly insurmountable difficulty of getting a new licence has threatened the survival of our business, the welfare of our animals and left our staff without work.

"I want to put this behind us but I remain baffled as to why the council could not have done more to support a valuable local tourist attraction.

"But that is behind us now and we have exciting plans for 2024 to welcome back our visitors and make up for the lost time."