Farming & Environment

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’.

If you’re a regular reader of this column, you may recall that February is my favourite month of the year, and this year has proved no exception. The month was almost blighted by an outbreak of Covid amongst the staff which saw the farm close for a week, but despite the Co-Farmers’ disappointment over the cancellation of their much-loved visits, and the boredom of those in confinement, the farm fared pretty well. Hannah, Rachel, and the horticultural team spent the time devising a four-year rotation plan and planting timetable, so not only can I tell you what we are sowing this month, but also when you can expect to see the produce in the farm shop – for a non-gardener, this sort of prophecy holds an enchanting, almost clairvoyant quality. The storeroom got a thorough clear-out making stock checks a pleasure, I no longer have to open the door in nervous anticipation of what I might find there. The day room continued its Farrow & Ball transformation, awash with restful shades of Skimming Stone and Elephant’s Breath. But these were not the most significant modifications, oh no. Our dark and dowdy kitchen – I say kitchen, but I mean ‘room with potential to become a kitchen should a miracle ever take place’ – received a spectacular Cinderella-style remodelling thanks to ‘Fairy Godfather’ Pete and his Select Interiors team. A special thank-you to Shane Biss and Dale Abley who gave up their weekend to help Pete to fit the kitchen, and thanks also to Franke, Flooring Elegance, Meyers, James Latham’s, and Tiggsy’s Plumbing for their kind contributions. Even lovers of Nick Knowles

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Pictures: TIFFANY FLEMING

and DIY SOS would have been astonished to see the magnificent makeover which was completed in just three days. It is fair to say I got a little overwhelmed when I saw what Pete and his team had been up to; another example of extraordinary generosity which not only keeps the farm functioning but offers High Mead and its CoFarmers new opportunities for the future. The new facilities have even tempted me to learn how to cook! February has also seen us planning forthcoming supporters’ events; we had a super meeting with the team from the Angel pub, part of the Hall & Woodhouse family. The pub donates to the farm every time someone buys their specialist ‘charity dish’ – who doesn’t love a steak

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and Tangle Foot ale pie? The cardboard cut-out crew had another outing, this time to Sturminster Marshall Golf Club, as High Mead has been selected as their Captains’ charity for the year. Players braved the wind and rain to play a Texas Scramble competition, followed by a raffle, the proceeds of which will be added to funds raised throughout the year and donated to the farm. For a short month, to see so much progress and support is both heart-warming and humbling in equal measure. February is the month of love and we are certainly feeling the love at High Mead.