Farm "Madshut" - the present agricultural enterprise in London across the Thames from the Royal Greenwich, near the sparkling skyscrapers of the Isle of Dogs. Here it is easy to see the sheep bleating in the background of the office skyscrapers of Canary Wharf - a strong impression.

It is a green spot on the map of London was formed by chance in the middle of the XIX century, built on the Isle of Dogs Dock and selected during excavation sludge transported to the nearby hills. Il proved fertile hills bloom, formed a wild park where families strolled dockworkers. During World War II there were hiding the heavy anti-aircraft guns and radar, to protect the city. In 1974, the city hall has given permission for construction of the park skyscrapers, but locals protested and defended a piece of nature. Now here on sixteen acres of a park and farm.

Farm "Madshut" refers to livestock. She assembled a collection of rare British breeds - over 200 animals and birds. Large animals (horses, ponies, cows, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats) graze in spacious meadows. Smaller animals (rabbits, chipmunks, ferrets) lives near the main court in Corner pets.

Adults and children can freely communicate with animals that are accustomed to such contacts and people are sympathetic. You can go to a large paddock and pet llama elegant - it is willing to accept affection (but if they feel threatened, spit into the enemy smelly saliva). Unusually looks Jacob sheep - they can be four horns. Equally unusual black giant Anglo-Nubian goats with their drooping ears. Children cling to African pygmy goats, keep them in Britain even as pets. The aviary live Chinese quails, golden pheasants, ducks mandarin (not counting, of course, a variety of chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys). In the stables about 25 horses and ponies - are offering riding lessons for adults and children.

Freedom of access to animals - farm policy that seeks to preserve the opportunity for citizens contact with nature. It does not expel people just come for a picnic - on the contrary, encouraged such a holiday. You can, however, order a lunch of local produce in the "Kitchen Madshut": tables put in the yard, in the sight of grazing horses and sheep.

There is a farm largely thanks to local volunteers, including students, who are willing to take on the part of the rural work: caring for the horses, feed and walk the animals. "Madshut" - is not the only farm in the city of London, there are at least a dozen.

Better to come here in the morning: the animals their daily, at about 16.00 they go to bed, and then them not to communicate.