Spring Term

Despite the endless wet weather and the challenges that brought there has been steady progress on the development of the school farm.

The recent working Saturday with parents, friends and volunteers achieved so much – newly laid paths, re-organised storage and removal of so much rubbish, to mention just some of the tasks now completed.

The rain caused a worrying amount of mud in the pigs’ area, and the vet came to check their wellbeing, while a local livestock man came out to feed and check on the new pigs, Pumba and Bailey over half term. It was vital to ensure they had clean water and dry areas, so a mountain of wood chip was spread for them too. An extended area of hard standing will be laid and improved access to feed them is under way. They are very happily settled and keen on back rubs with a special brush, and the children love to see them rolling over and sunbathing on the recent sunny days.

A local farming family offered the farm several chickens to replace those rehomed in the winter and they are busy laying eggs and getting to their new home. One is a cockerel, which was initially a bit of a concern in case he proved too noisy, but Lenny, as he is named is very docile and causing no issues. Pupils will be naming the other chickens soon.

Mr Howard has almost finished the very grand enclosure for either rabbits or guinea pigs – their run area will be grassed over so children can sit and cuddle them in the summer.

Inside the polytunnel planting has been completed by the after-school club in the sturdy planters built by Mr Howard, and lots of other vegetables and fruit are being propagated. Outside the polytunnel, pupils from Priestlands school have planted a willow hedge and other structures from the willow trimmed from the circle in the garden area.

Plans are underway for further “farm residentials” for all SBS classes after Easter and the after school and holidays club sessions will also be using the farm areas for some activities.

Huge thanks to go to all those who have helped with tasks and donated plants, compost and other materials. Blackboards with details of jobs to do will be going up in each area to enable volunteers to tackle further jobs as the weather improves.

Finally, for this update, a very important addition is the hand-washing station, with foot pedal operated water supply. This is near the hall just outside the farm and will soon be joined by large metal planters for the potato patch!

Over in the meadow entrance area, the fruit trees are thriving, and further planting is planned later this year, the second year of the SBS farm.

Suzanne Ashworth - Nanna to Lara Rose in Elmer (enthusiastic demonstrator of the new hand washing sink).