Success for our First "Farmer for a Day" club

29.4.2025

This Easter, Whirlow Hall Farm Trust welcomed children to experience life on a working farm as part of our very first "Farmer for a Day" club.

This Easter, Whirlow Hall Farm Trust welcomed children to experience life on a working farm as part of our very first "Farmer for a Day" club, delivered through the Healthy Holidays programme and funded by Sheffield City Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) scheme.

Over the course of four days during the Easter break, 34 children aged 7 to 13 took part in a fun-filled and educational programme that ran from 10:30am to 2:30pm daily. Designed to offer an enriching experience for children eligible for free school meals, the club combined outdoor adventures, hands-on learning, and nutritious food in a safe and supportive environment.

Children enjoyed a wide range of activities that included:

• Farm animal encounters and egg collecting
• A wildlife walk through the farm’s natural spaces
• Natural crafts using wool from our very own sheep
• Learning how to health check small animals like guinea pigs and rabbits
• Bushcraft sessions, where children developed skills and confidence outdoors

Each day, participants also rolled up their sleeves in our teaching kitchen, where they helped prepare and cook their own healthy lunch. Dishes included sweet potato falafels with tortilla, vegetable stir-fry noodles, vegetable pasta, and even homemade pizza—all made with simple, wholesome ingredients.

The programme not only provided nutritious meals and exciting activities, but also gave children a chance to unwind, grow in confidence, and just be kids. One parent shared a moving message with us:

“I would like to thank you again from the bottom of my heart for these two days for M. They are incredibly important for him and for us. M has a very traumatic experience related to the war in our country. I don't know what you do in your sessions, but you are truly a magician. M started smiling much more after them. I would like to thank you again for everything you do!!”

Part of the arrangements for the clubs meant providing transport to the farm for any child who might need it. We don’t have our own minibus at Whirlow so our friends at Birkdale school stepped in and loaned us theirs for the duration of the holidays. We are so grateful for their support.

Lesley Stockdale, Lead Education Tutor for the Whirlow HAF programmes said, “We’re so proud of the success of our first HAF-funded holiday club and we’re looking forward to welcoming more children for future Healthy Holidays at the farm. A special thank you to Birkdale for helping make this happen.”