IT might seem unbelievable to many of us living in Worcestershire - an area surrounded by lush countryside - but a number of children have never seen a real life farm animal before.

But Kelly Broadfield, resident warden at Dodford Children's Farm, said that is the reality for some of the disadvantaged inner-city children that visit the farm near Bromsgrove.

She has seen a year on year rise in the number of children coming through its gates to experience a taste of the countryside.

This year, Dodford Children's Farm has welcomed over 1,000 visitors made up of 815 children and 242 adults.

The number of children enjoying day visits has also risen – from 294 in 2013 to 363 in 2014.

Kelly said the continued popularity of the centre is down to a number of factors, including the closure this year of a number of outdoor education centres in the West Midlands.

She said: “We’d like to thank all the children and parents who have visited the farm this year.

“The vast majority of the children who visit us are from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“It’s extremely rewarding for us to be able to offer these children a stress-free break in the countryside.

"You might find it hard to believe, but some of the children have never seen a farm animal in real life before coming to Dodford Farm.

“With a number of similar outdoor educational centres having closed this year due to cuts in government funding, we’re seeing increased interest from teachers and support workers."

The Farm was originally opened in the 1950s by a school medical officer and a member of the Cadbury family, as a haven for Birmingham children who lived in overcrowded slums in polluted areas.

The youngsters were poorly nourished and their health suffered as a result.

Although the slums no longer exist, many of the young visitors who come to Dodford today are from disadvantaged Midlands areas.

A visit to Dodford gives children a change of environment and the opportunity to experience care, warmth and freedom in a secure, homely atmosphere – and a chance to interact with pigs, donkeys, chickens, rabbits and other animals.

And Kelly sees the trend in visitor number to the farm, which is a registered charity, continuing next year.

“With a new emphasis on animals, habitats and food chains in the primary school curriculum, as well as the relatively low cost of a visit, we expect to see visitor numbers increase again in 2015.

"I encourage teachers and others who want to find out more about us to get in touch.”

For more information about the Farm, see dodfordfarm.co.uk.