The children and staff had a fantastic day at Butterlope Farm. It may have been a wet, windy day but that did not dampen spirits or reflect in the enthusiasm of the children or hosts.
The programme 'Sharing the Sperrins’ allowed the pupils to learn about and explore the following topics:
1. Life on a hill sheep farm in the Sperrins comparing both present and past farming methods including viewing and using old farm tools.
2. The natural habitats found in the Sperrins. Peatland, heath, hedgerows, rivers and associated species will be a feature of the project. In addition, the ecosystem services that the uplands provide to communities that currently are taken for granted e.g. carbon sinks, and flood prevention.
3. The historical features on the farm including limekiln, old homesteads, dry stone walls, standing stones, lazybeds etc.
4. The importance of the landscape for health and wellbeing.
5. The threats to the landscape of the Sperrins eg. fly tipping, burning, cutting.
The children gained hands on experience in feeding the sheep, cows and hens. They recognised different breeds of sheep and their various charactistics. They connected the importance of learning Maths in the classroom and transferring their knowledge of weight and money to the reality of getting lambs ready for the market. The skill of halving and estimating weights became very important! The cows also got fed and the difference between their meal discussed.
The children got to experience what farming was like in the past (most children had a go) using a scythe and making a rope for the hay stack.
The children got to collect the eggs and realise the importance of a fake egg in the hen house and the difference between hens.
After that the children got to identify hedgerows using an identification card. This generated lots of discussion.
The greenhouse was just packed with so much and it was great for the children to see how fruit and vegatables are grown. This was seeing sustainability at its best. Cucumbers, beetroot, swedes, carrots, a variey of cabbage, potatoes, grapes (tasting lovely), tomatoes and strawberries. For children to see food growing at its source was a wonderful and for some an unbelievable experience.
I wish to thank Vinnie and Annie Mullan who made us feel so welcome and provided a truly amazing educational experience, one which the children will remember for a long time.
We are indeed privilaged to live in such an area of natural beauty - in The Sperrins.
