As the year comes to a close, we’ve had a wonderful, busy month here at Jamie’s Farm in Hereford. Despite challenging weather, the energy and resilience of our visiting groups and farm team have made it a season to remember.
Welcoming Familiar Faces and New Partners
We were thrilled to host one of our oldest partners, Nightingale School, for another unforgettable week. Braving fog, frosty mornings, and rain, the group maintained their signature enthusiasm and teamwork. A particular highlight was introducing them to our new ducks!
New partner Gloucester Academy made their mark with a spirited visit, including a sunny hike in the Black Mountains. Many young people arrived unsure about engaging with animals but showed incredible bravery, even stroking a bull by the end of the week!
Local Engagement with Bishops and Alderbrook
Despite the chaos of local flooding, we welcomed two groups from Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School, whose students—all from military families—made the most of their day visits. They brought curiosity, cooking skills, and a “can-do” attitude that brightened the farm.
We were also delighted to see Alderbrook School return for their second visit. The group embraced frosty mornings and enthusiastically cared for our new calves, ensuring they settled into their home with ease.
Reconnecting Through Follow-Ups
Alicia and her dog, Bonnie, enjoyed a fun-filled follow-up with Kensington Aldridge Academy. Games, pizza, doughnuts, and shared laughter brought back fond memories of their summer visit to the farm.
Life on the Farm
The weather has kept us on our toes, shifting from snow to floods to mild conditions. Amidst it all, the farm has been bustling. We welcomed 15 new calves, who have quickly become a lively part of the daily feeding routine. The Lowline cattle are back indoors, preparing for market or collection, and the ewes have been moved to a wildlife trust nature reserve. This lush grazing spot will keep them in good condition through the winter.
Special thanks to Jamie and Nia for their help moving the sheep! With the stock now either indoors or off the farm, we’re fully prepped for the winter season.
Positive transformations
Hearing reflections from visiting staff reminds us of the deep impact a week on the farm can have. One staff member shared:
“Jamie’s Farm has been transformative for S. He has learned to trust adults, take accountability, and work through emotions in a safe space. For the first time, he has understood that saying sorry doesn’t make him weak—it makes him human. This experience has shown him that his behavior isn’t who he is but a reflection of emotions he’s learning to regulate.”
Thank You
As always, thank you to our supporters and partners for helping us create a space where young people can thrive. Your contributions make all the difference. We look forward to sharing more stories with you in the new year!
