As a family we have successfully reached the end of our two week isolation period. When the initial stress and struggles of remaining within our own four walls had sunk in, I actually think we found many positives during the time in isolation. Friends and family rallied around to bring us essential food (huge thank you everyone). We waved at neighbours over the fence line, and we spent time adventuring in our immediate surroundings. Today, my daughter Katherine and I, wrote letters to the animals that we thought could be living in the small burrows under the trees. Whether they were rabbits, badgers or bears(!) – they all received a little letter to ensure they did not get bored (in case they too were isolating).
We have felt very lucky that we have trees and a large garden to play in and explore. We have felt humbled by all the hard work that those on the front line are doing to keep us safe. Most of all, we have spent time playing, listening and talking to each other. They do say that every cloud has a silver lining, and living life a bit slower seems to be it for me – I have never been the most patient person!
Life now.
Life on the farm continues, nature is bursting into life, the cattle are beginning to calve, and the farm shop is extremely busy. Yet other public activities at Fordhall did of course close some weeks ago. There are no longer school children doing worm dances in the field, no longer young people building wooden pigs, benches and tables in our greenwood shelter, no longer are our care farm tending to the community garden, no longer are members of our community eating delicious lunches in Arthur’s Farm Kitchen, no longer are our volunteers building friendships and getting mucky outside, no longer are families picnicing in our fields, no longer are toddlers enjoying wild play in our toddler group, no longer are we hosting courses and workshops, and, no longer are families escaping from modern day life for a weekend in our secluded yurts.
Life next.
But one day, not too far away, this will all return, and when it does, I hope we will all remember how important green space is. I hope we all remember how important it is to safeguard our beautiful green spaces. We need greenspace the most when we are sick or stressed. Being in green spaces is healing. It is good for the soul. Indeed it is vital.
We must look after them. We must care for them. Because when we get sick – we rely on them.
Stay safe everyone
Charlotte x
Fordhall Organic Farm – happy cows, happy space.
What an amazing story you have and a wonderful ethos.