What could be more life affirming than springtime on a farm?
The flowers are in bloom, green shoots are poking through from brittle winter branches, and in paddocks, nests and straw-carpeted pens, baby creatures are taking their first steps.
Farms must be a charming place to work at this time of year too, I imagine, and here to confirm my suspicions is Gemma Murray-Clark, Education Officer at Woodlands Farm in Welling, who told me all about the farm’s upcoming lambing day – a public highlight of its calendar.
Holly O’Mahony (HOM): What do you enjoy most about springtime on the farm?
Gemma Murray-Clark (GMC): Everything comes alive on the farm in springtime. It is very green and full of new life. We have lots of blackthorn trees here on the farm, so there is often small, white blossom blowing in the wind. However, I think my favourite area of the farm in the spring is the gardens. The cottage garden is also a beautiful sight with daffodils, tulips, hellebores and forget-me-nots currently in bloom.
HOM: Woodlands Farm is hosting its annual lambing day on April 23, inviting the public to see the baby lambs. What can visitors expect from the event?
GMC: Our annual lambing day is a favourite with local residents as it is always an energetic and bustling event. The main attraction is seeing the new arrivals on the farm: the baby lambs. We always have some excellent food and makers’ stalls to explore too, as well as a treasure hunt trail for children.
HOM: You mentioned food… for those who don’t fancy preparing a packed lunch, what will there be by way of food and drink on site?
GMC: At Lambing Day, not only will we be selling sausages, apple juice, homemade jams, chutneys and cakes, but we will also have lots of exciting local vendors serving street food including Italian, Indian, Chinese and African cuisines. Many of our vendors are very popular locally and return to this event each year, so you may recognise some of the stalls. (Though be warned: it can be difficult to know which stall to buy from as they all look and smell great!)
HOM: Lastly, tell us some highlights visitors can see or do on the farm during spring, that they can’t do at any other time of year?
GMC: Of course the new born lambs are the largest spring attraction and a must see! However, we also have seasonal trails around the farm and our current ones are specific to spring. From now until the end of the season, you can purchase a Spring Trail bag from the Mess Room (£3 per bag) and explore the farm, learning all about spring and answering a set of seasonal questions. Spring is also the last opportunity to see our cows up close, as from May they head out into the fields and can often be harder to spot.
Woodlands Farm, 331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP.
Lambing Day on April 23, 11am – 4pm.
Admission: £2/£1 under 16s/£5 family ticket.