Deer are ‘courtside’ for beach volleyball
Tournament dream in farm’s new venture
A STAFFORDSHIRE Moorlands deer farm is diversifying - into beach volleyball!
Courts are set to open up to the public at Sprinks Farm in Horton, near Leek, this month, with plans to build a partership with volleyball clubs, and one day host a national tournament.
Sprinks Farm will offer tailored sessions for groups of all ages and abilities, and visitors may find they have some four-legged spectators with more than 140 deer roaming free around the 88-acre site (though not on court!).
Owner Eddie Gibson said: “We are excited to introduce our beautiful beach volleyball courts.
“Players of all ages, skills and experience are welcome and we can’t wait for you to join us for a game soon.
“Come and try this incredible sport on our state-of-the-art new courts set in the heart of our family farm.
“Bring your family, your friends, and enjoy this fantastic sport in the open air, surrounded by Horton’s stunning wildlife (including deer) and fall in love with beach volleyball (like we did!).
“We are in discussions with professional clubs in the area, with a focus on building partnerships. We are continually developing our training and coaching programmes to deliver the highest standard of coaching to our players.
“Our goal is to one day host a national tournament.
“Starting with a quick demonstration, we can help you to understand your skill level and start you off with games and volleyball play that suits you. Once you’ve built your confidence, challenge yourselves with a minitournament, which we can assist in managing.
“We can accommodate all skill levels, from experts to complete novices, including family groups with children. Just be warned, children often pick up the game quick, so things might get competitive!”
Sprinks Farm and the surrounding area has been connected with deer and hunting for centuries.
Eddie took over the farm in 2017 and immediately began a programme of investment and renovation.
The 88 acres of pasture and woodlands are largely dedicated to the 143 deer – made up of 72 red and 71 fallow deer – able to roam free within the park.
Eddie added: “We take a minimal intervention approach to farming the land. We don’t use pesticides, herbicides or excessive machine interventions and try as much as possible to allow a more natural habitat to develop for the deer and other species.
“Other wild species co-exist with the deer and the health of the insect and small mammal population can be seen in the number of owls, buzzards and other large predators.”
Visitors are welcome, either walkers using the footpaths across the farm, or guided deer walks and open days on selected dates. The highlights of the year are the first calves and fawns being born in May/june and the impressive spectacle of the rut in October/ November.
■ For more information, visit www.sprinks-farm.co.uk.