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Farming & Environment A day at the farm

with Tiffany Fleming

Tiffany Fleming is a volunteer at High Mead Farm in Longham, Ferndown. High Mead Farm is a working farm run to promote the benefits of engaging with animals, soil, and nature. They ‘create purposeful roles for our cofarmers, young people and adults alike, to help bring about a sense of wellbeing and self-worth that many have never experienced before’.

I am delighted to say, the naming of the High Mead Farm Bunnies passed without drama; welcome Ziggy Sawdust, Ronnie and Mr Whippy. At just 11 months old, poor Ronnie was facing a trip across the rainbow bridge, but thanks to a pet rescue and a new home at the farm, he’ll now live out his days, happily. The farm was buzzing this week, in addition to the three new bunnies, a timely donation of Hi-Vis Jackets to help to keep our Co-Farmers safe and warm caused much excitement. Thank you to AJC Group and Redrow Homes for their generosity. It is rare that the farm receives anything new, we are masters of upcycling and repurposing, so the brandnew jackets sent everyone into a giddy spin! This week, the Co-Farmers have braved the cold to cut back and clear out a hedge, being careful not to clear too much wildlife cover. They also turned the compost and diligently watered in the poly tunnel, which is full of broad beans, garlic, onions, peas, and spinach. The wood bay has been a busy place too, splitting kindling and filling the bags until they bulge. One of its frequent visitors is Co-Farmer Will who loves working with wood. Will and I caught up whilst I warmed myself in front of the fire pit, a popular meeting place. Will tells me that he loves coming to the farm as it gives him the chance to make new friends. He also likes working hard and feeling tired at the end of the day. Apparently, the farm is better than school. Will feels he has changed during his time at High Mead; he has learnt to do lots of things by himself. He has grown stronger too, but not strong enough to move Bluebell and Doorbell, the farm’s big pigs – both of which are the size of a small building! It was good to hear about how Will feels about the farm. I feel I already know Will a little, as he is the subject of a book written by his father, Richard, that describes his journey of raising a child with additional needs. Richard’s book finishes on Will’s last day at school, facing the uncertainty of what comes next. The farm was created to help young adults just like Will, those who fall into the gap between full time education and work. It took Richard and his wife, Julie, over a year to find a suitable placement for Will; a working environment with adult company and strong role models from which he takes his lead. Richard feels the discipline of a working environment impacted almost immediately. Will often replicates the behaviour of those around him, which at school might often be the youngest pupil. The support that Will gains from his days at the farm means that Richard and Julie never have need to worry about him during the day. Will is always keen to get to the farm, and he’s not the only one!

Farm Fact: Will brings us much joy on the farm, with his loud music, comedy dances, good humour and comments, and outrageous costumes. You can read all about Will in his book, ‘no I will’, available online or in our farm shop.

Equestrian

Quality Haylage Square D1010 Bales, 6ft, 4 strings with 8 wraps, mix of ryegrass & meadow Delivered or collected DT2 7BL, also in bags or half bales Mark Needham 07860 759996 / 01300 345293

muck heaps removed or spread 07977 561860

MUCK AWAY SERVICES, Site clearances, Digger & Driver hire, Tractor & Dump Trailer 07711-980871

Horse Hay 4 String 8 feet deliver locally £25 also large 4 string Wheat straw available In Buckland Newton area 07969498803 BEST ORGANIC MEADOW HAY £4.25 Can deliver - 01258 472182 HAY SOFT AND GREEN late made £3 . Also hay from £2 . 07850 368650

Pictures: Tiffany Fleming

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