From LEAF Farmer Duncan Farrington
May Newsletter
Listening to the radio recently
I heard the headline about the generation of “Cotton Wool Children” with only 10% of children ever playing outside; visiting local parks, making dens in woods, or paddling in streams for example. We’ve heard it all before with the usual and sometimes justifiable culprits of parents being worried about either speeding cars or strangers. It is true that the roads are busier than just a few years ago, but the reality is that the world is no more dangerous now than it was in the past.
On being interviewed, children were actually keen to go out and play in parks and explore the countryside. I for one can not imagine my childhood without dens, and camps, sleeping out at night, or simply playing in streams and puddles. No doubt my mother despaired at times when I came home in more wet and muddy clothes, or cuts and brushes from the latest adventure. I remember one time finding some old tar in a tin which I somehow managed to end up flicking in my hair, and having to have my hair cut off to remove the tar, probably an improvement to the standard pudding bowl cut of the day. None of my exploits appeared to do any long-term harm, and I always appreciate how lucky we were to have the freedom many would long for today. Admittedly living on a farm was a privilege, but also comes with its own risks and dangers that one has to be aware of.
This is probably one reason why I now enjoy showing groups of school children about farming and the countryside around us, and how there is so much out there we can enjoy; often at no cost at all, which is always a bonus. For example we recently got out the Ordnance survey map one Saturday, had a look at the local bridle ways, and went for a bike ride with the children to the next village, where I knew a good pint would welcome us. Only two or three miles, but we went along bridle paths, past ponds, through a lovely daffodil lined wood, took in magnificent views, and saw plenty of wildlife. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the ride, and hardly complained once about being too tired.
There are thousands of miles of footpaths and bridle ways around our countryside, crossing farmland, along rivers and canals. There are reservoirs and old gravel pits, nature reserves and country parks, or even the local park in our towns and villages. If it is something more organised for a good day out in the fresh air, how about visiting a farm this spring.
The 7th June is the date for this year’s Farm Sunday. It is an annual event when around 400 farms nationwide open their gates to anyone who would like to come along and see what goes on. Most of these events will be free of charge, and will range in activities from farm walks hosted by the farmer, to milking demonstrations, bird watching, village fetes, farmers markets, wellie wanging, tractor and trailer rides, lambing and more. To find out more visit www.farmsunday.org . Whatever takes your fancy, it is always great to enjoy the fresh air when the sun is shining. But without the rain, there would never be the muddy puddles I fondly remember playing in so much, that always seemed to be just that little bit deeper than the wellies I was wearing. Its funny now when we see our daughters wanting to do just the same thing, we cringe at the thought of more wet clothes as they turn round and giggle at us in that ‘Oops I seem to have got water in my boots again’ look.
