The sunshine has arrived, and with it, a wonderful start to the summer term at Jamie’s Farm Skipton! With new faces joining old friends, and the farm bursting into life, it’s been a busy and beautiful few weeks.
Welcoming Schools New and Old
We’ve had a fantastic start to the term with visits from our long-standing partners Co-op Academy Grange and Co-op Academy Beckfield, as well as new partners South Craven School and Normanton Junior Academy. It’s been brilliant to see the young people getting stuck in, connecting with the animals, and experiencing the farm in full springtime swing.
Lambing Marathon: Nearing the Finish Line
The marathon of lambing is almost complete! We’re currently bottle-feeding eight lively pet lambs, always a huge hit with our visiting young people. Despite the driest spring Yorkshire has ever seen, spirits are high, and the farm is alive with activity. Work has also continued on our wetlands area, and we’re looking forward to seeing it bloom into life soon, with the banks now seeded with flowering plants thanks to the Ribble Rivers Trust.
Gardens Blooming Thanks to Volunteers
A huge shout-out to our superb cohort of volunteers who are helping to bring our gardens to life. Their dedication and green thumbs are making a real difference – thank you!
Felting Under the Cherry Blossom
Last term, the farm developed its very own felting paradise. Using our own Swaledale wool, expertly carded and washed by our wonderful volunteer Catherine, young visitors have created an array of gorgeous little felt animals, flowers, and even a soft, tiny volcano! With the sunshine on our side, these creative sessions have taken place out in the orchard, under the cherry blossom, a truly idyllic scene.
Celebrating New Beginnings and Special Milestones
It’s been exciting to see the ripples of our work extending beyond the farm. A senior leader from one of our partner schools has launched a brand-new alternative provision this week, and Ben was invited to represent Team Skipton at the opening, a real honour.
Meanwhile, we’re proud to celebrate two years of day visits at Skipton! We welcomed back the very first school to ever visit us, and it was heart-warming to hear how well their young people are doing. Seeing their old handprints around the farm was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of their time with us.
