This past month at Jamie’s Farm Bath has been packed with growth, learning, and plenty of memorable moments.
We recently welcomed students from Northolt High School, who impressed us with their enthusiasm and willingness to engage in new experiences. From speaking confidently in group settings to trying their hands at unfamiliar tasks, it was wonderful to see them discover talents they didn’t know they had. After thoughtful discussions about each young person’s needs, we’re excited to support their continued progress as they head back to school.
The young people from Olive AP Academy Thurrock also made their mark, embracing every activity—even in less-than-perfect weather! Their focus and teamwork during the wood chopping sessions showed their ability to dive into farm life with real determination.
A huge shout-out to the dedicated staff we work with each week. Their understanding and care ensure that the positive momentum continues when the students return to school, and we couldn’t ask for better partners in supporting these young people.
What’s happening on the farm
Farm life has been busy and exciting, as always! Our chickens have been separated into breeding groups to prepare for the arrival of chicks next May—an event that’s always a big hit with our young visitors.
We’re also getting ready for March lambing. Teasers (infertile rams) have been introduced to the ewes, helping the natural breeding process along. Meanwhile, our sheep are receiving their vaccinations and worming treatments, and we’ve welcomed four new Blue-faced Leicester x Texel rams to the farm. Another 50 lambs will soon be heading to market, and our bull calves and their mothers have been settled into their winter housing.
We’ve been strip grazing the cattle and will soon start bale grazing. Our herbal leys are flourishing after all the careful drilling, and we’re planning to reseed rye grass soon, weather permitting, to help boost soil health.
Team Week highlights
During our team week, we were delighted to host the CAMHS team from BANES, who spent the day focusing on wellbeing and team-building. They got stuck into a range of tasks, from making cookie dough and building chicken pens to chopping wood, and they enthusiastically joined in our Farm Olympics, featuring welly wanging and tug-of-war!
We also owe a huge thank you to our corporate volunteers from BNF Capital and St. James’s Place, who tackled important jobs like mucking out chicken houses, moving sheep, and preparing the garden for winter. We’re always grateful for the chance to share the farm experience with new people who are so eager to help us with our mission.
A special thank you
This term, we’ve been fortunate to have some wonderful residential volunteers, who have given their time and energy to support our young people. A big thank you to Henry, Rosie, Pippa, and Brogan—your unique contributions have made a real difference to both the team and the students!
Celebrating personal growth
One of the most rewarding aspects of life at Jamie’s Farm is seeing the transformation in the young people who visit. One student, who initially found it hard to express herself, ended the week confidently sharing her thoughts and showing incredible kindness to her peers. As her teacher noted, “She’s taken on every challenge with the support of the Jamie’s Farm team… a perfect example of a success story.”
