By Nicolette Maina
From digging trenches and netting, spending time with the farm animals, or simply enjoying the fresh air, FYA’s farm days offer a refreshing escape from the fast pace of city life. This is an experience that goes beyond observation as getting your hands dirty becomes part of the process, something that encourages participants to fully engage with their surroundings while gaining a deeper appreciation for the work that sustains the farm.
On one particular farm day, we started off with some landscaping which set the tone for a productive and engaging experience. Here, we created two small water channels designed to support irrigation across a particular area of the farm. While physically demanding, the activity was rewarding, as it gave everyone a real sense of contributing to something practical and long-lasting and acted as a reminder that even simple tasks can have a significant impact when done collectively.
The day also included assisting with weeding and creating protective netting which helped safeguard the crops from insects and other potential damage. This involved identifying which plants needed to be removed and which should be left to grow, and helping to set up protective netting over some of the crops in order to shield plants from pests and birds. As everyone embraced the opportunity to try something new and step outside their comfort zones, the task became both educational and rewarding. However, it also highlighted just how labour-intensive farming truly is – something that is often overlooked in an age where food is easily accessible and disconnected from its origins.
The most memorable part, however, was getting to spend time around the farm animals, something which provided a calming contrast to the physical work. Interacting with the animals at this level gave participants insight into how animals are cared for on a day-to-day basis, a unique and enjoyable experience that added to the overall impact of the day.
Beyond the physical tasks, the powerful connection between nature and mental wellbeing exemplified the importance of taking time away from our screens and slowing down. Indeed, the open fields cultivate a sense of calm, where you can reconnect with yourself and the people around you. Because of this, the farm environment essentially helps to reduce stress by creating a more peaceful state of mind.
Ultimately, this was an opportunity to learn new skills that you would not ordinarily have when going about your everyday life. Whether it be taking a breather from work/school, or enjoying the natural farm environment, the farm days provide a great outlet to both learn and take a break from the stresses of life.
