News and Events
Let it Snow?
Students at The Learning Centre enjoyed an extended Christmas break as snow fell and fell and fell over the Forest of Dean in January. The Smallholding team worked really hard to keep the farm animals warm and fed and the Teaching Assistants enjoyed spending time at Offa's Dyke, putting on activities for the residents. The lane through Stowfield became an alpine track, passable only by the very brave. Many thanks must go to our neighbours at Chronos Technology who kept the lanes gritted when and where possible and members of our staff who ensured that all staff teams were able to get in to work. You know who you are!
The snow was beautiful, but eventually students, staff and animals were delighted to see the thaw.
Lambing at The Orchard Trust
Our Southdown sheep have been keeping us very busy over the last few weeks. The ewes have produced twelve lovely lambs. The students at The Learning Centre have been a huge help, helping to keep the sheep shed clean and tidy and keeping a keen eye out for any signs of lambing. They have also helped with ringing the lamb's tails and feeding and caring for the ewes, who got huge in their last stages of pregnancy!
Lakers and Whitecross schools
We have recently been joined by eight students from Whitecross School who are studying a two year Edexcel course. The students are undertaking their Farm Livestock, Small Animal Care and Growing Plants unit at The Learning Centre. They have built some new raised beds in our allotment and are looking forward to growing vegetables in these. They have also designed and plan to build a brilliant Activity Centre for our rabbits and guinea pigs.
Students from Lakers school will be working at The Learning Centre over the next few weeks as part of their 'Work within the Community' project. The Lakers team have been supporting Orchard Trust students in their sessions and helping with horticulture and animal care projects. Thanks Lakers!
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