Kilmihil ARA Social Farming

Description

Our group attend a social farm in the locality, where we get to feed the calves, horses, ducks and also bed them. In the spring we plant wildflower seeds, onions, lettuce, pumpkins and strawberries. In every visit we check the vegetables and spend time with the animals, we go on a nature walk around the farm and every June we attend Spancillhill and enjoy the sites and sounds of this historic fair.

Aim of Initiative

The aim is to include all levels of ability, to enjoy nature, animals and gardening at the level that suits the individual person. The benefits of being in nature and around animals range from relaxation, improve stress levels, bring back happy memories for individuals and the gardening site is very therapeutic. We then share the vegetables amongst our members for their own use.

Who is it aimed at

This is aimed at the over 55s.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Identify farmer willing to be involved with an active retired group who has patience and time.
2. Organising transport to the farm.
3. Ensuring weather appropriate clothes and footwear are worn.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Weather can pose a problem but we try to do activities in the shed such as bedding the calves, washing utensils, planting pots of flowers, general tidying up to help the farmer & then have a cup of tea!
2. Health & Safety is a challenge but the members are given orientation and safety is reinforced every visit. We also speak to the farmer at the start of each visit asking is there anything for us to be careful of. We ensure members wear appropriate footwear and gloves and we wash our hands l.
3. Getting by in from the elderly to attend in the winter can be a challenge but ensuring they are warm & don’t get wet makes them come back the next day.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Improvements in mental health from being out doors in nature.
2. A sense of satisfaction that you get from feeding animals, ensuring their bed is dry and watching your garden grow and bloom.
3. Improving the environment and biodiversity by planting wildflower patch for the bees and growing vegetables for the members own use. This helps to support the farmers biodiversity farm plans also.