Pippa Middleton and James Matthews' Bucklebury Farm in Berkshire has become the first UK farm to act on animal welfare concerns raised by The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RAWF).
The charity approached 573 farms requesting enhanced protection measures for animals, but only the farm owned by Pippa and Mr Matthews responded with immediate changes.
The couple's 72-acre property has ceased all handling sessions involving its nine rabbits, as well as guinea pigs and young goats.
This marks a significant shift from previous practices at the farm, which had been a regular destination for Princess Kate and Prince George.
Pippa Middleton’s farm bans rabbit petting sessions after welfare concerns
|PA
The RAWF praised the farm's swift response on social media, highlighting their decision to "phase out pat-a-pet sessions and create a more welfare-conscious experience".
The farm has invested in new enclosures for its rabbits, allowing the animals to decide whether they want to interact with visitors.
This represents a fundamental shift in approach, placing animal choice at the centre of the visitor experience.
Educational efforts now focus on helping guests understand animal behaviour better.
Pippa and James Matthews moved to Bucklebury Farm in 2022 | INSTAGRAM / BUCKLEBURY FARMThe farm particularly emphasises that motionless rabbits are typically experiencing fear rather than contentment from human contact, correcting a common misconception.
These modifications extend beyond rabbits to include guinea pigs and young goats, ensuring consistent welfare standards across all small animals at the site.
The changes mean visitors can no longer hold any of these creatures, marking a complete departure from traditional farm park practices.
Bucklebury Farm will collaborate with RAWF to establish new Farm Park Welfare Standards, creating guidelines for animal protection across the industry.
Pippa Middleton and Kate are two years apart in age | GETTY
This initiative aims to transform how farm parks and private rabbit owners approach animal care.
Oliver Shute, Managing Director of Bucklebury Farm, emphasised the educational aspect of these changes: "It's not just about visitors seeing animals, it's about showing what proper welfare looks like.
"Rabbits are often misunderstood and kept in spaces that don't meet their needs, so we're proud to set an example that puts their wellbeing first."
The new standards will address widespread misconceptions about animal handling and housing requirements.
James Matthews previously purchased the 72-acre Bucklebury Park Farm | PAThe partnership between Bucklebury Farm and RAWF represents a pioneering effort to reform visitor attractions involving small animals across Britain.
Mr Matthews and his wife acquired the Berkshire property for £1.5million in 2020, transforming it into a multifaceted rural enterprise.
The estate encompasses a 44-acre deer park, children's play facilities, office spaces and a café, alongside rustic accommodation options featuring wood-burning stoves without modern amenities like electricity or internet access.
The farm holds particular significance for the Royal Family, sitting close to the Middleton family residence in Berkshire.