One of Northern Ireland's most popular open farms has introduced a new fresh food delivery service to continue to raise the funds needed to look after its 500 animals during the Covid-19 lock-down.
Usually as this time of year, the staff at Streamvale Open Farm in Dundonald are preparing to welcome tens of thousands of visitors between Easter and the end of the Summer but this season, it remains closed.
However, with its many animals still needing cared for and fed, the family-owned business has introduced a new `Moo To You' service, which will see products made by its own dairy cows delivered straight to people's doors.
Chris Wilson, one of the owners of Streamvale Open Farm, said the last few weeks had been tough, but the new service has so far proved very popular.
"The bank has been understanding," he said.
"I am doing my bit to try and make sure I have the cash to feed the animals, for vets, electricity and suppliers.
"There are still huge overheads. I tried to come up with an idea that would help people and support us as a family".
Mr Wilson said Dale Farm collect milk from the farm every two days.
Now, as an extension of that, Dale Farm now deliver products - milk, butter, cheese and yoghurts - made with the Streamvale milk, back to the farm.
Customers can then go online to Streamvale Farm and order the fresh products for delivery.
Yesterday, beginning at 4.30am, Mr Wilson began his first day of deliveries..
"From the initial idea I had lying in bed to now, we are trading within a week," he said.
"You can order and pay online. I deliver fresh. There is no contact".
Initially the service is available in east Belfast, Dundonald, Holywood, Comber, Ards, Bangor and south Belfast however Mr Wilson said he is hoping to expand and deliver to all of Belfast and further afield.
"I am doing 45 deliveries today and the rest of the week is sold out," he said.
"It has been nice that people have bought into the service".
Further details about `Moo To You' are available online at www.streamvale.com
