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Making a "welfare-conscious" change, Pippa Middleton and James Matthews have introducted a new measure on their £1.5million Bucklebury Farm in Berkshire. The farm, which includes a deer park and children's play areas, has stopped all petting sessions for its rabbits, guinea pigs and young goats.

It comes after The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RAWF) contacted 573 farms to request greater protection for animals, with Bucklebury Farm taking immediate action. The farm park is now working with the charity to phase out "pat-a-pet sessions" in light of the advice.

This marks a significant shift from previous practices at the farm, which had been a regular destination for Princess Kate and her family, as George had visited when he was younger.

Bucklebury Farm will collaborate with RAWF to establish new Farm Park Welfare Standards, creating guidelines for animal protection across the industry.

In an Instagram post, RAWF stated: "Earlier this year, we launched our Don't Bug Bunnies campaign to highlight the issues of Pat a Pet sessions & poor living conditions at Farm Parks. Farm parks might look like fun family days out but behind the scenes, many animals, especially rabbits and guinea pigs, are suffering and are often kept in tiny hutches.

"We're excited to reveal that we've been working with @bucklebury.farm to revamp their rabbit area to phase out pat-a-pet sessions and create a more welfare-conscious experience."

It added: "They have invested in spacious, enriched housing for their rabbits using our guidelines and just look at how amazing it is. We're also launching the new Farm Park Welfare Standards with them and together we will educate other farm parks and rabbit owners."

Pippa and James purchased the farm for £1.5 million in 2020. Earlier this year, the couple had been given the green light to set up a nursery on the estate.

Works will include changing the use of an existing log cabin to "allow a flexible use of space for farm workers dwelling, office space, meeting room, workshop, studio and nursery".

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.