I‘ve been volunteering at the farm for fifteen years – since I was seven – and it’s been one of the best experiences of my life.
I particularly love this time of year, as all our young have been born: the kids, lambs and piglets. The cold days and nights are over, and we can enjoy the site flourishing into its finest beauty throughout the summer.
The farm’s a small piece of magic in the heart of the city, isn’t it? And to think some people who live in the area sometimes don’t even know it exists. But when they find out, we see their faces regularly. We see kids starting to volunteer at primary school age and then see them going on to secondary and still be proud to say they help out at the farm.
And as for the pigs in the pictures? Well, they’re a breed called Gloucester Old Spot. The sow – or mummy – is called Marjorie. She now has seven healthy little piglets, all with their own characteristics. They’re just two weeks old, enjoying the weather and starting to eat solids – pig nuts mixed with milk powder and warm water – as well as fresh turf cut from the field. They’re becoming very playful and are quite happy for me go in and take pictures of them.
But of course they won’t stay piglets for ever. So, if you’re around over the next couple of weeks, don’t miss out.
