Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, we’re excited to share the latest happenings from Jamie’s Farm Bath.
December highlights
We concluded 2024 by hosting two wonderful groups from Northolt High School and Cranford Community College. Our partnership with Northolt High has blossomed over the past two years, and it was a joy to welcome students from diverse backgrounds, all learning English as an additional language. Throughout the week, they blossomed in confidence, showing great care for the animals, working diligently in the garden to enhance the willow dome, and displaying impressive strength in the woodshed.
Cranford Community College, a long-standing partner, brought a group that showcased their culinary creativity by crafting delicious stuffed-crust garlic bread. They also formed strong bonds with our horses, assisting the farrier with hoof trimming and even participating in dental care.
A joyful start to 2025
After the festive break, we kicked off the year with local partner Broadlands Academy. The students brought immense joy to the farm, demonstrating kindness to one another and remarkable empathy towards Smurf, our new pony. Their efforts helped Smurf feel right at home in our herd.
This week, we were excited to welcome a new partner, Chiswick School. The students exhibited bravery by stepping out of their comfort zones, showcased leadership in the kitchen by preparing a legendary jerk chicken with rice and peas, and engaged in thoughtful reflections on how their experiences could benefit them in the long term.
With such a great start to 2025, we’re eager to see what the rest of the year holds!
Meaningful catch-ups
Our team dedicated time around the Christmas break to reconnect with young people after their farm visits. Highlights included our annual Christmas dinner with youth in care from Bath and North-East Somerset Council, where we shared delicious food and festive crackers. We look forward to seeing these amazing individuals again next summer.
At Bedminster Down, we caught up with students through games and cupcake decorating, discussing the positive changes they’ve experienced since their time on the farm, such as increased confidence and strengthened friendships.
A special evening was spent with Hillingdon Virtual School students at our Waterloo farm, where we reconnected with animals and reflected together around a bonfire. We’re grateful to work with partners who continue to champion young people beyond the farm, recognising their week with us as just the beginning of their journey.
Farm news
Despite some wet weather, the farm has been bustling with excitement. Our first lambs of the year arrived last week, delighting our visitors. With more lambing expected in March, we’re eager to involve upcoming groups in these special moments.
We’ve welcomed new additions, including two Saddleback sows and 12 piglets who will soon be ready for weaning. Bale grazing continues for the cattle, and the gentle weaning of calves in the fields has been successful.
Young people have actively participated in hedge laying, learning about the benefits of our commitment to regenerative farming. As part of the Cotswolds Fosse Farm cluster group, we hosted a soil health workshop, bringing together around 15 local farmers. Being part of this network is invaluable, and we cherish these opportunities to connect.
Transformative experiences
Witnessing the transformative journeys of young people during their week on the farm is truly rewarding. One staff member shared:
“When he arrived, he was nearly non-verbal with me. During his time here, he has stepped out of his comfort zone, learned new skills like playing songs on the piano, and has been a pleasure to talk to—a measured character among many big personalities.”
Such observations highlight the importance of building relationships and supporting young people to feel safe and be themselves. We know that being seen and valued in this way has a lasting impact long after they leave the farm.
A heartfelt thank you
We are deeply grateful to our volunteers who generously give their time and enthusiasm to help on the farm, whether in the kitchen, garden, or alongside our delivery team. A special shout-out to our residential volunteer, Sarah, who, after spending a week with us in November, returned to support our first group of 2025. Thank you, Sarah!
As we embrace the new year, we look forward to more adventures and growth. Thank you for your support!
