Lanes Garden Centre and Open Farm - Derby

Abbie B.

Concerning animal welfare standards:

I don’t like to be negative, but when it comes to animal welfare, I believe it’s important to speak up and spread awareness. Having been in the animal industry for over five years, I was saddened by what I saw today.

I completely agree with a review from eight months ago, which highlights concerns that still haven't been addressed—showing a clear lack of progress despite multiple visitors pointing out the same issues.

The enclosures are far too small for many of the animals. While the opportunity to feed them is a nice touch, there should be clear signage indicating what animals can be fed what. From what I saw, the feed buckets given out contained a large amount of carrot and lettuce, which children were feeding indiscriminately to all the animals. Clear guidance would help ensure that the animals are receiving appropriate food that suits their dietary needs.

The ducks were confined to a tiny child’s paddling pool with only an inch of filthy water, far from the clean, natural environment they need. The peacock had so little space that it could barely display its feathers without hitting the top of the enclosure. The pigs had very little bedding, raising concerns about their comfort and enrichment.

One of the most concerning things I witnessed was the geese attempting to drink from dirty water, but they kept sneezing as if they were struggling with its quality. This is a clear sign that their environment is not being maintained to a suitable standard.

Additionally, the flooring in nearly all the enclosures was just mud. While I understand that mud can be an issue on farmland, especially in wet conditions, it would be beneficial to incorporate straw bedding to help keep the animals warmer and more comfortable. The lack of suitable substrate made many of the enclosures appear bleak and unwelcoming.

Another major concern was the complete lack of visible enrichment in the enclosures. There were no toys, structures, or natural features to stimulate the animals, making the spaces look bare and the animals appear bored. Providing enrichment is essential for both physical and mental well-being, and its absence only adds to the sense that welfare standards are not being met.

I truly hope that steps are taken to improve these conditions. I would much rather pay an entry fee if it meant seeing animals in well-maintained, spacious environments where their welfare is prioritised. As it stands, I would not recommend visiting if you have empathy for other living beings.

I wish I would've taken more pictures but I did get a picture of the 'pond' in the Wildfowl enclosure, there are more reviews similar and pictures showing the environment.

Sophia S.

We love it at Lanes!

Delightful family run farm, garden centre and cafe.

The food in the cafe is great and the staff are so friendly and helpful, I always love to stop in there for a visit. There is outdoor seating, open and under cover, and indoor seating with a separate area for families, and a quieter place for adults.

You can take the kiddies along to the petting part of the farm, and for a small price you can buy a cup of chicken feed or a small bucket of carrots and cabbage to feed to the other animals. There are chickens, peafowl, goats, donkeys, pigs, sheep and cows.

Then there is the garden centre which has lovely plants at reasonable prices. They aren’t as perfectly pruned as you might find at somewhere like Bardils, but they’re healthy and it’s nice to support a family business.

There is plenty of parking, and a cute gift shop where you can get gardening equipment, fruit, veg, and eggs from the hens on site.

Lovely place visited by generations of local kids.

Chrissie L.

A Fantastic family hidden gem. All animals where all clean and obviously loved by their owners. Cost £3 for a bucket full of lettuce abs carrots to feed the animals and £0.50p for bird feed ❤️ will definitely be returned again with the children in future a great family day out for all ages

Chris K.

Laines Garden Centre Borrowash is a small open centre. You can take your young ones; and old ones to visit the cafe and animals; including the wildlife. You can visit the shop and feed the animals too! The wild owls and eagles are a sight to see; and you can book to see them all; and have their story told. A lovely time out.

Jade L.

Such a brilliant place to visit been going near enough everyday to see the animals the buckets are food are brilliant price value and getting to feed the animals is a bonus too staff are very friendly and extremely helpful

Remskin C.

Wonderful experience for grandchild to get up close to the animals and birds. Highly recommend and will be a frequent visitor going forward!

Rich W.

Great little place to spend an hour or so with our grandchildren. Entrance is just the cost (£3) of a bucket of preprepared vegetables to feed goats, sheep and piglets. Other animals which you don't feed include chickens, peacocks, geese and donkeys .

Nicole B.

I have been going to the farm for years with my children. Had a bad experience in James's cafe last week but we have always loved feeding the animals.