Trip to Brae Farm - 18 November

On Monday the 18 November the Grade 1 children set off for one last adventure to end our incredible year together. We have been learning about mini beasts that live in our gardens, so it seemed apt to head off to a small holding outside Merrivale.

We were hosted by the very talented and knowledgeable Kerry Peckham, who is both an artist and a farmer, who practises regenerative farming with her husband and children. She took us on a very interesting walk, pointing out the important roles that each creature and organism plays in nature. The children collected various items on the way, before meeting her very treasured animals who are lucky enough to find themselves living on Brae farm, under her care.

From dogs to chickens, pigs to ducks, cattle and sheep, her love for creatures big and small was so evident. The children fed the lamb, met Donald duck and heard the story of how her pet pigs, Crispy and Bacon relocated from Ballito for their first roll in the mud, ever, a few months ago. In between the outdoor adventures, the children were guided through a layered painting in her studio, which took place in various stages, from printing leaves, to sponging, whilst looking carefully at the flowers on the property. We enjoyed a wonderful, informative morning of outdoor learning at its best, with a picnic near the dam. It was hard not to take a dip in the heat of the day, but studying the water creatures and watching Bella the labrador take a swim was great entertainment. 

Kerry took the children around her amazing vegetable garden before allowing them to each plant their own sunflower seeds to take home and nurture. What a treasure we have found in Brae farm and Kerry. We look forward to many more adventures there for our Clifton champs, in the future.