Farmyard Fun

A couple of kids playing in the city farm at Spitalfields.  Set up and run largely by volunteers the 1.3 acre farm offers not just a chance to see rare breed animals but gives city folk the opportunity to experience farm life in London.  

Dylan's Haircut

Dylan patiently queued all day for his turn to be shorn. He is a Southdown, a now rare breed of sheep. Bred for maximum wool and meat with minimal waste. This beautiful thick fleece that Dylan is being relieved off has a market value of 45p per kilo. His, thicker than most, is around 3 kilos. Farmers are turning to breeds that malt rather than require shearing. Shearers are better off becoming bankers.

Spitalfields City farm aims to protect many of the UK's endangered indigenous farm animals. Goats, pigs, chickens, donkeys to name a few. They have loads of fun and educational activities. The mainly volunteers who run the farm rely on donations.

More from the Farm

Well I couldn't leave with out showing you this chap. What cows and llamas in London? Sure is.

Vauxhall Farm

The first few pages of Mark's Book (see yesterday's post) walking the Victoria he walked through Spring Gardens near Vauxhall station. I decided to take a look at the park known as Vauxhall Pleasure gardens in the 1660's. Where one could commune with nature and be entertained, listening to a bit of Handel.

In the 21st century communing with nature is ball games, horse riding and communicating with the animals in the city farm.