Each year, the Whirlow Hall Farm Trust help over 10,000 children and young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and the inner city.
They provide activities for youngsters who have additional educational needs to help them develop life skills, grow in confidence and reduce the risk of isolation.
The farm also hosts residential visits for schools so that pupils can learn in a different environment, grow in confidence and develop bonds with classmates and teaching staff.
The trust enables college students to fulfil the practical elements of agriculture and environmental qualifications.
During the lockdown, the team at the farm have been busy preparing for the return of visitors in the coming months.
The lambing season started at the farm in February, and they had 100 expectant ewes in their flock.
Coming to the roster of activities will be a weekend tractor tour with one of the farmers, John, but the farm has had to put this on hold due to the lockdown and is hoping to have them back up and running from April 17.
In other news, work has commenced on the on-site cafe at the farm, but in the meantime, a takeaway service is available, providing hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes and ice creams. The cafe is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-4 pm and all week in school holidays.
A spokesperson for the farm said: “Work on our new cafe is going well. Whilst we're providing a takeaway service during the lockdown, we're really looking forward to opening a fantastic new cafe in which you can relax, enjoy great food and drink, and admire the views.
“Our farm shop will be extended too. Having opened online and now offering a delivery service to make things as easy as possible for our customers, we're looking forward to having a bit more space to show off our fantastic produce.”
The team at Whirlow Hall Farm are now looking ahead to restrictions being lifted so that people can once again see the animals and browse the range of locally sourced produce in the farm shop.
Visit www.whirlowhallfarm.org for more details.
1. 1. Spring time
Spring has officially arrived at Whirlow Farm in Sheffield. Photo: Chris Etchells
2. 4. Betty the goat
Betty the goat at Whirlow Hall Farm in Sheffield. Photo: Chris Etchells
3. 6. Farm shop
Kelvin Charles, Commercial Operations Manager, pictured outside the Whirlow farm shop and butchery that sells their own-reared lamb, beef and pork. Photo: Chris Etchells
