Polaris team volunteers at Hackney City Farm

On 5th June, a team of seven volunteers from Polaris spent a fulfilling day volunteering at Hackney City Farm, which is home to a range of farm animals each with their own charm and characteristics. The farm has been established for over 35 years and is free to the public giving them the opportunity to learn about the animals and to experience farming right in the heart of the city.

Our day began with tackling the overgrown trees and bushes that had encroached upon the cycle path at the farm’s entrance. Equipped with shears, wheelbarrows and determination, we worked hard to clear the perimeter, which proved to be both fun and satisfying.

After completing our initial task, we took a well-deserved break to recharge, before moving onto our next activity: picking nettles for the farm’s pigs. The nettles were a treat for the pigs, and we enjoyed gathering them under the warm sun.

In between our tasks we allowed ourselves to take regular breaks and spend time cuddling the farm animals. We had the chance to interact with baby goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys, and geese. Among the animals we interacted with, we learned that the goats are Anglo Nubian, the sheep (panda type) are Kerry Hills, and the green ducks are Cayuga. The farm also homes 30 varieties of ducks and various breeds of chickens.

In an exciting twist, one of our volunteers stumbled upon a shiny object half-buried in the ground which, to our excitement, turned out to be a time capsule. This stainless-steel tube was likely buried around 10 years ago. The staff at the farm will re-bury the time capsule, ensuring it continues to be a part of the farm’s history.

Thank you to Hackney City Farm for the opportunity to volunteer, learn about the work you do and connect with the wonderful animals and environment. Our day was filled with hard work, learning, and heart warming moments.

To learn more about Hackney City Farm and their incredible work, click here: