During the month of June, we have enjoyed further developing our partnership with Bertha Earth. We have worked together to deliver a Retreat programme to Graveney School, Ark Burlington Danes Academy and Bishop Douglass School. Our visiting groups have spent time on the farm, celebrating the end of their year-long Bertha Earth Ambassador programme focused on connecting themselves, each other and nature.
Highlights have included exploring our meadows to identify wild plants and flowers, harvesting various vegetables from our garden in order to prepare and cook delicious food to share, helping with our annual sheep shearing, climbing a local hill, The Skirrid, taking in the beautiful views and  fun afternoons of den building and orienteering in The Forest of Dean.Â
Luke very much enjoyed visiting NUAST in Nottingham for a follow up visit which included a walk in a local park. It was clear that the farm has made a real impact on many of the young people. Some expressed that since the farm visit they go outside more, eat dinner out of their rooms, have improved relationships with their families and feel their behaviour in school has improved.
It was also great to visit our group from The Nobel School. There were smiles all around when Bronny showed them their film from their visit, bringing back memories of all of their achievements. It was wonderful to hear that most of the group has grown in confidence following their time on the farm, all would love to come back!Â
Elly visited Harris City Academy Crystal Palace and the young people reminisced about the snow and the cold from their visit in March, fondly remembering the lambing and looking after our horses Timmy and Sam. Watching the film and reading the certificates, we were reminded of snow angels on the hike and hedge planting 185 trees to create the Harris Hedge. Several other pupils dropped in, some who had been to the farm a number of years ago, keen to hear all about what’s happening on the farm now, hear about the team and update us on what they’ve been up to since their visit.Â
It’s been a super busy month on the farm despite only 3mm of rain. All the sheep are now enjoying the breeze on their backs after a great evening shear with a Bertha Earth group where everyone got involved and worked very hard. We have had a visit from the Welsh Government who were very impressed with our environmental works and have agreed to fund another hedge and coppice project.
All the Jamie’s Farmers have just returned from Groundswell and had an amazing CPD and networking experience full of joy. So thanks to all of those back on farms working hard to allow it to happen!
