Science and Geography came together in testing the soil at three major sites and seeing how the farmer makes choices depending on the physical factors he is faced with. Soil moisture and PH testing, digging and analysing the drainage, alongside ‘listening to the soil’ and rubbing it for texture gave rise to the best land use possibilities for the different fields. Animals play a large part on this farm so time was spent with the pigs, cows, donkeys, chickens as well as the sheep and lambs.
A highlight had to be warming ourselves from the bitter cold by cuddling the new-born lambs. Tabitha learned to fly like a bird, Florence got close to machines and we all mucked in with the 4 month old rather large piglets. Rushall Farm had started their lambing season early this year so we were assured of witnessing a lamb being born – a young male arrived just before our departure, leaving a realistic impression of those first few precious moments. Much to talk about on the bus journey home!
Great fun was had by all but the main focus was indeed educational. Miss Wells and I are looking forward to reading and assessing the girls’ detailed reports, with prizes being awarded in Assembly next term.