Surrey Docks Farm was set up in 1975 and has been at its present site, a former lorry park alongside the Thames, since 1985.
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The farm’s 10 staff cover farming, youth and education work, as well as projects for people with learning difficulties.
Two full-time apprenticeships (in livestock and gardening) are offered, as well as weekly work experience placements for young people – and there are more than 100 adult volunteers on the farm’s books.
“Some [volunteers] come because they love animals, some are referred by their doctor, some are between jobs, and some want a career in farming,” says Claire.
With such a small site, grazing is limited, even in summer. Being on heavy clay, which quickly turns to sludge in wet weather, imposes further restrictions.
However, the cattle, sheep, donkeys and pony all have access to grass, albeit fields are watched carefully and closed off if conditions start to deteriorate.
Bought-in hard feed and hay, as well as straw for bedding, are relied on heavily.
Without the opportunity to shut fields for long periods, health challenges such as foot rot have to be tackled with regular foot dips, trimming, and treatment when necessary, says Claire.
“Because we know it’s a problem, we’re on high alert and carry out regular monitoring,” she says.
