By Liam Roberson
New Information:
The month I spent at Church Farm Ardeley was completely different from what I had expected when I was still at home. Farm work it turns about is laborious and I can feel the difference in my body and what I truly expected out of this experience. Although I was expecting hard work, it is something you can never pinpoint until you are there working. The difference in how the farm genuinely stays true to its organic values was a mindset I questioned in the States yet upon arrival, I saw firsthand how the farm manages and has to find ways of success while keeping its core values intact.
Self-Reflection and Evaluation:
I have changed dramatically over the last month, but I feel the full picture of reflection will be in the weeks and months after my summer experience. The biggest shock for me was the freedom; with three days off a week, I could travel far with the wide range of buses and train lines throughout Hertfordshire and England. This past month I have noticed how I have been able to lead some of the different shifts I have had to learn earlier, but now am able to fully understand.
Environmental Issues
Since I arrived at Church Farm, my environment has changed minimally. It is nice to see the progress made on the farm, especially the work that you put in showing. Tasks have become more advanced now that I have been here for a month. Finally visiting and working at Church Farm, gave me a new view of how difficult it is to keep an organic farm. Instead of using fertilizers and chemicals different steps are taken through multiple days, weeks, and months for harvest. For example, surround Kale with ground eggshells so slugs will not climb and eat the crop. The eggs are collected from the nearly 150 chickens, the eggs need to be used, their shells kept, then taken and washed, ground, and then put in a circle around the crop. This takes days and weeks, along with labor and people able to do this.
Where do I go From Here
A decision that I believe which was looks good for the direction of my Capstone would be participating in the farm’s organic practices. Through these practices, I can use my view and hands-on experience to put into my project. My future goals for this summer are to put myself into different situations throughout the farm which practice different forms of organic and sustainable farming. Further opportunities are in other farms throughout the United Kingdom and could show more possibilities that are not limited to Church Farm.
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