A Wonderful visit of Mini Farm at Parliament Hill School
This May, Parliament Hill School was delighted to welcome a mini farm onto our school grounds, bringing smiles, excitement and unforgettable experiences to students and staff alike.
Following last year’s hugely popular visit from rescue donkeys Nora and Dora from Kentish Town City Farm, this year students enjoyed meeting even more furry and feathered visitors as Mudchute Farm brought along two sheep, two goats, a chicken and a little rabbit.
Students had the opportunity to learn about the animals, feed them, stroke them and discover more about their daily lives and care routines through engaging talks from the Mudchute farmer.
Emma, year 8, said: “I had never petted a goat before. It was great to see them in real life and feed them grass.”
Eva, year 9, added: “I was so happy I got to see them and touch them, and the baby rabbit was too cute! I learnt a lot from Tom Davis, Mudchute Park and Farm manager.
The visit created a real buzz around the school and gave students a valuable chance to connect with nature and animals in an urban environment. Experiences like these help encourage compassion, curiosity and wellbeing, while also supporting students’ understanding of sustainability and the natural world.
The project was supported by Growing Green, an organisation that works with schools, estates and local communities to create wildflower meadows, hedgehog corridors and nature clubs, helping bring nature closer to where people live, learn and grow
The mini farm visit was generously sponsored by Dr Shohreh Beski. Following in her father’s footsteps, Dr Beski founded the Sabzgaman Beski Charity in the UK, continuing his legacy of supporting young people, communities and the environment.
The name Sabzgaman Beski translates from Iranian as “Beski’s Green Steps”, reflecting the charity’s commitment to nature, sustainability and positive change.
Last year’s visit from rescue donkeys Nora and Dora also highlighted the importance of biodiversity and sustainable land management. Working alongside Growing Green and Kentish Town City Farm, students learnt how grazing animals can naturally help maintain green spaces while supporting wildlife habitats.
Parliament Hill School’s Headteacher, Sarah Creasey, elaborated: “These unique events bring enormous joy to our students while also helping them develop empathy, curiosity and a genuine appreciation for other living beings we share our planet with. Opportunities like this allow young people to connect not only with animals and nature, but also with one another in a calm, safe and nurturing environment. Experiences like this stay with students for years to come, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this possible.”
We would like to thank Growing Green, 'Sabzgaman Beski' (why is this in inverted commas?) and Mudchute Park and Farm, for creating such a memorable and enriching experience for our school community.
