Sharing Our Little Corner of the World

Last Wednesday we had some very special visitors to the farm. A group of 38 children aged 2 to 4 came to visit for a countryside walk from a local preschool. The organisation for such a visit is always daunting especially for such young visitors. We try to share our lovely little corner of the world with others and over time we have had visits from all sorts of groups including schools, Brownies and many local interest groups. Such visits do require a bit of preparation including strimming a decent path, tidying up and generally putting away any hazardous items.

Early on that morning we had a visit from our bread making customers who had learnt of the children's visit. They arrived with a beautiful basket full of bread to give to the children. Such amazing generosity!

Our walk took us through a couple of fields to see some sheep and horses.

We then went around the woods. A kind of simple country walk which for some of them is something they rarely experience despite living in a village. They are encouraged to look at things as they go but not to pick flowers and to stay on paths. Quite a challenge for some. They learnt about dormouse boxes, tree guards, and various conservation measures. They saw orchids, wood lice and deer prints. Their imaginations were stimulated, one boy told me that a Gruffalo lived in the woods. Then there was time for some photos.

There were some very tired and hungry youngsters by the time we returned to the house and even a few nettle stings on little hands. They were all ready for their picnic under a tree in the garden joined by the odd stray hen.

Once refreshed there was time for small groups at a time to visit the calves and pet lambs.

Then finally a chance to sit on a mini digger before it was time to go home.

I think I can safely say they enjoyed themselves and I for one gave a sigh of relief as a final head count was correct as they sat on the coach ready to go home.