Last month we welcomed back the Smile project for our summer activity day. This was the third year running for this event and was the biggest one yet. We welcomed in lots of new faces, and as well as returning families. As usual the sun was shining and we all had a great time with…
After weeks of watching instructional videos on halter training sheep, one of our volunteers bravely tested out her knowledge on one of this years lambs. She commenced the training last week, demonstrating remarkable confidence and skill, so we expect the flock to be at her heel by the end of the summer!
This year we decided to make use of the elderflower trees we have dotted across the project by experimenting with some home-brew. So our Syrian ladies made some rather tasty elderflower cordial while Bethany kicked off 5 gallons of elderflower champagne. The cordial went down a treat and the champagne continues to brew…
We are pleased to announce 2 very significant donations for Manna. The first is towards our workshop building project which will provide a multi-purpose room giving us a place for shelter, meetings, 1:1 sessions, and indoor activities. Our funding target for this is £1,800 and the Wakeham Trust have very generously given us £900 towards…
We had a wonderful surprise this week from 2 of our volunteers who took it on themselves to spend their weekend making a fantastic gate for the entrance into the woods. Anyone who has visited the project will know the ramshackle makeshift ‘gate’ we have had to date which was to keep the deer from…
This past week we have created a pond in the middle of the edible growing area, with the hope it will attract frogs who will feast upon the slug population. We are growing produce using organic methods which means we have a constant battle with slimy predators, so are trying to come up with natural…
Over Easter we were treated to some Syrian delights cooked up by 2 of our volunteers which was a delicious change to the usual project lunch.
We have had various visitors to the project over the Easter holidays with one 7 year old arriving just in time to assist in the delivery of the first 2 lambs! Two of our volunteers bought their son who got stuck in with digging over strawberry beds, feeding sheep and exploring the woods. It’s great…
Our first lambs of the year have arrived today, with one ginormous one needing a helping hand (or arm) to enter the world. The timing was perfect as for once the ewe chose a daytime slot, which was warm and dry as opposed to 3am with a frost. We have 3 more mums to be…
We are enjoying the willow shelters planted 18 months ago which have taken root beside the river. Having had such success with them we plan to plant more at the end of the year, creating spots for people to stop and enjoy a moment of rest and reflection. But yesterday we fancied a bit of…