Word of the Week: Farming

Not that I have been doing any particular farm-work, mind you, more the fact that we have been to two versions of a children’s farm this week – two very different places!

On the one hand there was Miller’s Ark which focuses very much on bringing the experience of ‘animal touch’ to children – real, close up experiences with traditional farm animals – huge turkeys nonchalantly crossing the path in front of you, sheep and goats going into labour before your very eyes, fluffy chicks and bunnies gamboling in their little runs as you walk up the driveway to the farm entrance, hands on petting of baby Kune Kune pigs – you get the idea. On the other hand Hobbledown – an entirely different experience, a place with both sheep and goats in pens, but also goats in an enclosure complete with a little trip-trap bridge, bringing the world of literature into the equation with its reference to the Billy Goats Gruff. Plus meerkats, a llama, several wallabies and a peacock (less ‘farm’ and more ‘palace grounds’ one feels…).

I liked them both although I think maybe my boys got more out of the Hobbledown experience simply because they aren’t really that fussed about animals in general!

I also like the fact that we were able to have two days out in sunshine – even a picnic al fresco at Hobbledown – which speaks volumes about the fact that we are finally entering Spring proper and the Miller’s Ark experience was awash with the season (chicks, bunnies, gambolling lambs, etc.).

And yes, I think with the fresh air I have risen from my former Flump!