Meeting The Gang At High Mead Farm

Fernhill residents spent the whole day at High Mead Farm meeting all the different animals they care for.

Our volunteer Faye walked us around the farm introducing us to goats, pigs, sheep, horses, Shetland ponies, chickens, ducks, tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs and free roaming alpacas. No-one at the farm could believe the alpacas sat with us under the marquee for lunch, as they normally dislike people. Kiki even stroked one of the three brothers, “He’s so soft”, she said.

We were then taken into the pig pen and the goat’s field for lots of scratching and cuddles with them, “Come on tuppence, come and get a scratch”, June called out to one of the pigs. “He’s listening to me”, she said as he came snorting over. “You have a way with animals”, Faye said to us all, “Let me introduce you to Horrace, our 63-year-old tortoise.” June was over the moon with him and sang to him. “You are so beautiful” she said, “I bet no-one has told you that.”

Chatting about all the animals we met today over Ice-cream, Companion Team Leader Cara remarked how tranquil and inclusive the farm is, a beautiful and calm place to be. “It is truly wonderful here”, stated Kiki, “What an amazing place and to touch an alpaca, so soft. I’ve never been in a pig pen before, so cute but very muddy.”