I came to Lower Sharpham Barton Farm on a 5-day placement as part of my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. This experience has encouraged me to work with people as a team, quickly adapt to unfamiliar environments, develop my communication skills, and gain a wider understanding of conservation and farm life. I have thoroughly enjoyed my week here and am extremely grateful that the opportunity was available to me.
Throughout the week I have carried out a variety of activities from cooking meals and basic animal care to servicing chainsaws. My favourite of the chores shared out between everyone at the farm has been the morning and evening animal care. I have enjoyed the responsibility of caring for the animals as it’s especially lovely to see the farm early in the morning and late at night as it’s so peaceful.
Overall, my favourite activity of the week was when we planted 65 Blackthorn and Hawthorn trees in the farm’s rewilding site. It’s amazing to think that I have helped to create new habitat for small mammals, birds, insects, and other plant life, I can’t wait to come visit the trees in 20 years to see how much they have grown!
I have also been allowed to attend some of the training sessions on Insects and Bats and to join the trainees for a day in the garden. In addition to this, I was able to assist on a guided walk for a group on a retreat at Sharpham house. All of which has enabled me to speak to new people and develop group skills.
My week at the Farm has been wonderful, everyone has been very welcoming and helped me when I had questions. I might even come back in the future for more!
Emma Rush – Gold DofE residential participant
