Farm Update June/July 2020

On Monday 15 June 2020, much to everyone's relief, we were able to start our phased re-opening, for some adult clients. This was largely thanks to the sterling work by our Vice Chair and H&S Trustee Rob who worked tirelessly to ensure our site was safe to open. He produced detailed Risk Assessments and Safe Working Practices and ensured all social distancing signs and increased hygiene wash stations were put in place.

On 6 July 2020 we increased adult numbers again slightly and included one student so we could prepare them for transition and allow them to finish their qualification with us.

It has been wonderful to see our adult clients again, albeit only a few at the moment. It seems a lifetime ago that the farm was buzzing with activity. However, we are all getting used to the 'new normal' and working in 'bubbles'.

All the animals are fine. The lambs are being weaned off their mums in mid-July and their mums are singularly unimpressed to being deprived of hard feed for the time being; the 4 chicks are thriving and starting to grow proper feathers; our saddleback sows are now 1 year old so we will soon be looking to breed from them.

Merlin, our RDA cob was sent off to 'boot camp' in the middle of June as the RDA is unlikely to restart before the autum. Wendy went to see him at his holiday home and she was pleased to report he had settled in very well and is enjoying his new exercise regime.

We will keep you posted again next month with our antics. In the meantime, take care and stay safe.

NEWSLETTERS

Once every quarter Wendy Self, our Farm Manager/ Ashley Wicks, our Assistant Farm Manager, writes a short article for publication in the West Ashton Magazine.

This magazine is published by West Ashton Parish Council, and has a local circulation of about 200 copies. It is also available as a pdf for download from the parish website. Click below to read our latest news.