Learn about Chapel Farm.
The original farm was built in 1690, but at this time it was just one building. Over the years, Chapel Farm has been used for a variety of business activities, including pig rearing, pottery, antique shop, car repairs, livery and now, unique stays. Learn about all that Chapel Farm has to offer below.
The Turtle Sanctuary
Since the late 60's pet shops in the UK have sold baby turtles (originally referred to as terrapins) which were primarily a North American Species called Red Eared Sliders.
Cute and cheap, millions have been purchased without their owners realising they can grow to the size of a dinner plate. This lack of knowledge led to many needing to be rehomed which is where our Turtle Sanctuary comes in.
We are affiliated with the National Centre for Reptile Welfare based at Hadlow College near Tonbridge, Kent. They are licensed by Natural England to hold and rehome reptiles. This is a requirement as 3 pet species of Turtles are now designated as invasive species. Therefore rescue facilities have to demonstrate that these species cannot escape into local water systems. (Hence the barriers around the Pond).
We provide the right conditions and knowledge for species to be be kept outside enjoying the UK Summer and hibernating under the mud during the Winter, as well as our temperature controlled indoor facilities for more delicate species.
Our indoor facility which is designed for species which are from more tropical areas and cannot survive outside all year round in the UK. There are over 70 different species which includes 'Turtle Jeff's' own private collection. During your stay Jeff will be delighted to give you a 'turtle tour' where you can take photos, hold them and if the timing is right, feed them, Jeff is one of the most knowledgeable specialists in Turtles and will answer as many questions as you have.
Wildlife in Chapel Farm
The 10 acre grounds at Chapel Barn have a wealth of natural wildlife if you know how and where to look. Foxes, badgers, rabbits, squirrels, bats and even a family of monkjack deer represent our mammal visitors.
In the air we have buzzards, red kites, wood peckers, owls, Jays, and magpies to name a few. Herons and kingfishers visit the ponds and there are an escaped population of green parquets.
Frogs, toads and newts lay their eggs in the ponds, while dragon flies and various butterflies are some of the more attractive insects on site.
Livery in Chapel Farm
Our eldest daughter, Tasha Wakely, has represented Great Britain on many occasions in the discipline of Dressage (Horse dancing). Tash has 4 horses on livery, some of which she rides, trains and competes for their owners and the others she trains the owners to advance their own dressage skills. Tash fell in love with Spanish horses when she was 17 years old and specialises in this beautiful sensitive breed.
The Olympic sized arena is a key resource for Tash and her clients to practice in. To the rear of our land are paddocks where the horses can happily be in the fields when the weather allows.
Along with our big horses you can also come and visit Tyson Fury, Chapel Farm’s resident pony!
