SADACCA Women’s Group Visit to Whirlow Hall Farm

SEM as part of its ongoing field activities continues to organise Farm visits to raise awareness about farms and farming in the UK. It organised a farm visit for the Sheffield African & District Caribbean Association (SADACCA) women’s group to Whirlow Hall Farm on October 2nd 2024.

SADACCA women’s group with SEM CEO Maxwell A Ayamba at Whirlow Hall Farm in October 2024.

Below are some of the women’s reflections:

“For me, it was a day of surprises! Initially, I didn’t know the farm was in Sheffield, and having transportation to take all of us around the fields was sheer joy.
Then, finding they bred Highland Cows (which is a breed I love) and being able to touch and brush a calf made a dream come true and all on our doorstep. Discovering the farm shop, which sold a good variety of produce, and will also have some goat and mutton in the coming months … mmmmm, delicious”.

“It was clear to see the animals are well cared for by the staff, who also looked after us. Finally, finishing our visit, having something to eat and drink in the spacious cafe which had a well varied menu, gave us time to sit and discuss our experiences”.

“As always, I had a lovely time, being out and about with our group. I would like to say again, thank you to Maxwell and Maxine for organising this outing, which was educational as well as pleasurable. Really enjoyed the day very much, and I agree with what Carmen said. I loved brushing the cow. It was so placid. The farmer said it’s because they get to know each other, and so they have a very good temperament. All the animals looked very well cared for. We were very well treated also. I thank Maxwell and Maxine for taking us again. For me the visit to Whirlow Farm was both educational and refreshing. I was surprised at the variety of food being produced and so so happy that the skills are being passed on. The care and attention shown to both animals and people was exemplary”.

“Of course, being out in the fresh air enjoying the beautiful landscape in good company was simply a delight. Thank you Maxwell and Maxine for making all this possible. For me, it was a day of surprises! Initially, I didn’t know the farm was in Sheffield, and having transportation to take all of us around the fields was sheer joy.

 

 

“As always, I had a lovely time, being out and about with our group. I would like to say again, thank you to Maxwell and Maxine for organising this outing, which was educational as well as pleasurable. I echo everything that is said by my fellow sisters. It was a very enjoyable trip. And although I’ve been there before, the added treat was taken around the farm in the special buggy and was protected from the weather. I’ve been able to touch the animals and listen to the stories behind all of them. I was also amazed how the farmer could tell us the names of all the cows. I was surprise that the black sheep didn’t mix with the white sheep, I find it quite fascinating!! My highlight was brushing the hairs on that lovely little cow. I shall cherish that memory forever, the turkeys in their pen are so clean and happy looking. And so too are the rest of the animals. The farm shop was a delight to visit. The meat was fresh and organic. Delicious to cook for Sunday dinner. And of course, the well stock café. The lovely peaceful views it’s even better in the summer to go on long walks and pick strawberries. It was a pleasure to visit again, and I’m so glad some of our new members enjoy the visit. Well done, Maxwell and Maxine. Thank you again for a wonderful educational trip”.

Muslim Students on an Outdoor Learning Field Trip

Muslim Students undertake an ecological outdoor learning field trip.

 

As part of its efforts to raise environmental awareness and reconnect minoritised community groups to the environment, the Sheffield Environmental Movement on September 1, 2024, in collaboration with the Jamia Masjid Ghausia Mosque, Firth Park organised an outdoor learning field trip to Cambridge Central Mosque for 43 students and 8 teachers. Rationale for the trip is because the young people were keen to learn but also see physically the ecological design of the Mosque having read about it’s ecological design, but above all, saw this as an opportunity to learn about why and how the architecture of buildings need to be designed ecologically in the wake of the climate crisis. 

 

The young people were taking on tour of the Mosque built from wood and provided with detailed explanations about its innovative design as an environmentally friendly building in UK and Europe. Speakers explained how the mosque uses sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems shared insights into the source of water used at the mosque and how grey water & rainwater is harvested to flush WCs and irrigate the flowers/plants in the garden. Additionally, how the mosque’s beautiful skylights were designed to maximise natural light not only illuminates the prayer hall but also reduces the need for artificial lighting as energy saving and thus further contributing to its eco-conscious approach. The building’s carbon footprint – which is already low – will improve over time as the main electricity from renewable sources becomes more available.

 

It was clear from the feedback that the combination of educational content, serene surroundings, and thoughtful architecture left a lasting impression on everyone thus motivating some of them to want to consider pursuing courses in architecture. The relaxed atmosphere made the trip both enjoyable and enlightening, with ample opportunities for reflection and discussions among the students. The students were also taken on a guided walk around the University of Cambridge where they were told about its history as a powerful institution of learning in the world. 

SEM’s Founder/CEO who accompanied the students noted that initiatives such as this outdoor learning field trip is a very powerful way of exposing and motivating minoritised community groups especially young people to learn about becoming stewards of the environment. He noted that considering all students were of British-Asian background and taking into account the rising demographics made it important and necessary to work to engage with people from all sectors of our society to become active citizens of the environment. 

The CEO is of the view that this outdoor learning field will inspire the students to want to participate actively in the environment and to consider pursuing studies in other environmental careers. He noted that the environmental sector as the second least diverse sector only after farming should support initiatives that engage minoritised individuals to view the sector as a space that they would want to be part of and contribute to a more ecologically sustainable society.

National Parks Conference 2024

Maxwell A Ayamba National Parks Conference 2024

The UK National Parks Conference 2024 took place during September this year under the theme, ’75 Years of Landscapes for Everyone’.

SEM’s Founder/CEO, spoke at the conference stressing the need to reframe the historical narratives associated with the English landscape as a mythologised ‘white space’ if the slogan ‘Everyone’s Landscape’ is to become a reality.

Maxwell A Ayamba National Parks Conference 2024
SEM’s Founder/CEO, Maxwell A Ayamba spoke at the National Parks Conference 2024

The UK National Parks Conference 2024 was hosted by Northumberland National Park Authority in Newcastle upon Tyne.