Creating better tomorrows for companion rabbits
Welcome to Bucklebury Farm
Setting the welfare standard for UK Farm Parks
When the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) contacted 573 farm parks across the UK, urging them to end rabbit petting due to serious welfare concerns, only one responded with action – Bucklebury Farm. Not only did Bucklebury agree to stop rabbit petting, it has also completely revamped its housing to provide best practice living conditions for its rabbit residents.
What have Bucklebury done?
Bucklebury Farm has gone above and beyond to create a welfare-first environment for their rabbits and guinea pigs. They’ve:
- Built spacious, enriched enclosures that allow natural behaviours like digging, hiding, and running.
- Introduced innovative, educational activities for visitors that don’t involve handling or distressing the animals.
- Embraced the RWAF’s “Pat a Pet Pledge”, becoming the UK’s first official Rabbit Welfare Champion.
As Managing Director Oliver Shute explains:
“The changes we’ve made at Bucklebury Farm are all about giving our rabbits the life they truly deserve. For us, it’s not just about visitors seeing animals – it’s about showing what proper welfare looks like.”
Why we need change
Farm Park “pat-a-pet” sessions, where rabbits are passed around in crates or placed on tables for repeated handling, may seem harmless, but it causes acute stress;. Rabbits are prey animals who often freeze in fear rather than flee. Scientific studies show that repeated handling can lead to:
- Elevated stress hormones
- Weakened immune systems
- Weakened immune systems
- Disrupted digestion
- Delayed recovery from illness
Stillness is not calmness – it’s fear.
Public Support for Better Welfare
RWAF’s research shows overwhelming public support for change:
- 95% of people would not take part in petting sessions if they thought the animals were scared.
- 78% believe daily handling is harmful.
- 53% rated rabbit welfare at farm parks as poor or very poor.
Meet the Bucklebury Bunnies
Make the pledge!
Bucklebury Farm has proven that change is not only possible – it’s powerful! They’ve set a new benchmark for what compassionate, educational, and welfare-focused animal experiences can look like.
Now, we’re calling on other farm parks to follow their lead:
A word from our CEO, Rae Walters:
“If more visitors understood the negative effect on rabbits’ health and wellbeing, we believe they would welcome the change. Bucklebury Farm has shown what’s possible – now it’s time for others to step up.”
Veterinary surgeon and RWAF patron Emma Milne adds:
“The stress caused by these interactions can’t be overstated. I urge parents to boycott parks that continue to allow these activities and support those that put welfare first.”
