SBS Farm Blog June
The school farm phase one is really taking shape now and looking fantastic – even more exciting is that the pigs are settled in, and the chickens are thriving – happy, chatty and laying lots of eggs! Mrs Strugnall has submitted all the required risk assessments and other documentation for approval to Hampshire County Council prior to the children having access to the animals.
Over half term she and Mr Howard have plans to create safe access routes to the composting area and set up feeding bins and buckets so the children can make daily visits to feed the animals and give the pigs a back scratch with bespoke brushes! The pigs love this and roll over on their side, while Mabel is learning to sit to command, especially if apple pieces are on offer. In the recent hot weather, they have loved their paddling pool and have plenty of shady areas to relax too.
A second wheelbarrow has been donated by Travis Perkins as well as lots of compost, pots, bamboo canes, rhubarb, raspberries and the pig troughs by parents and friends of the school. Soon to arrive are donations of paving slabs, which will be laid to create a new base for the pig arc and paths.
Huge thanks go to all who have donated and thanks also to Andy and Grace Brennan who have surveyed the pond area and advised on the next steps to develop that part of the wildlife area. The extremely dry period has left the pond empty, but it is essential to preserve the correct PH level to let it refill with rainwater rather than top up with chlorinated tap water – Mrs Strugnall is hoping for a wet half term holiday week! The pond needs further clearance and tidying before the children can start pond-dipping and observational visits. It will then also be ready to welcome some ducks, once the duck run is created.
The palisade fencing around the adventure playground area is complete and the willow dome is flourishing. The fig trees are bearing lots of fruits and the raised beds and mini greenhouse seedlings are growing well. In the farm garden area, a section has been identified to build accommodation to rabbits. An octagonal cabin should be in situ early in the Autumn term to provide a base for the after-school club, resources, gardening tools and arts and crafts equipment for children throughout the school to use. There will also be a compost toilet nearby.
What is urgently needed now: -
● A shed up to 8’by8’ in size to store equipment
● Help from some knowledgeable volunteers to complete the remaining path works and other structural /building /fencing bits – watch out for requests for this help – due to the nature of the work and need to use dangerous tools etc these first work parties will need to be adults only (there will lots of future family friendly opportunities to help)
● 1 or 2 old sinks to enable the Y6 children to help build the vital handwashing stations by the farm entrance/exit. Ideally to have one at child height and the other for adults would be perfect.
A very special thanks to Olivia and Charles who have created the stunning artists impression of the SBS farm once complete.
Suzanne – Nanna to Lara Rose in Gruffalo
