MISS ELAINEOUS VISITS STEPNEY CITY FARM...

I just had to complete the East London troika and visit Stepney City Farm; following my visits to nearby Spitalfields City Farm, blog link here:-

https://elainerockett.blogspot.com/2024/11/miss-elaineous-visits-spitalfields-city.html

...And Hackney City Farm, blog link here:-

https://elainerockett.blogspot.com/2018/12/miss-elaineous-visits-hackney-city-farm.html

Hackney City Farm vlog link here:-

https://elainerockett.blogspot.com/2024/07/youtube-hackney-city-farm-vlog-live.html

Back to Stepney City Farm, and it was created in 1979 by local East End residents.  It sits on a site which was occupied by Stepney Congregational Church, which was bombed in 1941 during World War II.  It used to be called Stepping Stones Farm.

Here's the colourful sign on the road as you approach this community farm.  You can see a building facade behind the sign, and the remains of Worcester House, the old Sunday school and the Stepney meeing house can be seen onsite.

The East End of London suffered a serious pasting during WWII, and Worcester House dates from between 1450-1550.  It was once know as "King John's Manor," although locals called it "King John's Palace." 

Here's a farm map, and a warning...

Goats, and the farm supplements its income by breeding animals to be sold for their meat, with goat meat being the most commonly consumed meat in the world.

The goats were doing their own thing and didn't seem to want to interact with me!  The females breed with goats from nearby city farms once a year.

The farm is committed to ethical farming standards regarding the sale of its meat and eggs.

A polytunnel is a modern version of a greenhouse.  As well as being used by their onsite café, fruit, vegetables and flowers grown here supply top London restaurants.

The farm also sells its produce onsite, and offers advice and encouragement for those wanting to grow their own plants.

The rustic lake to the back of the garden warns of deep water...

Ducks having a spash around- look closely and you can make out two in the paddling pool.

This farm does not raise ducks for their meat, although it does sometimes sell their eggs.

Sheep, and this is the only city farm I've been to (that I'm aware of- feel free to correct me) that sells its livestock for its meat.  It is very open with promoting that and- lets be honest- everyone needs to know how their food gets to be on their plate.

A closer view, and there are three breeds of sheep here at the farm...

The are rare and hardy Soay sheep; Ryland sheep, which are shaggy and need shearing once a year; and Manx Loaghtans.  Some of the latter can have four or six horns, and even the females usually have horns!

The farm is committed to the protection and preservation of heritage breeds...

This is a working farm; very rustic, and warnings abound!

This boar is a Berkshire pig, and he's called Mars.  A Berkshire is the oldest recorded pedigree pig breed in Britain.

He was alone in his sty and didn't want to pose for a photo.  He jusy showed me his curly-tailed bum instead!

The pigeons took an interest in the poultry section.  Maybe they were trying to scrounge some feed?

The chickens are only used for their eggs- none of them is in danger of going into the cooking pot!

They were certainly socialble, and came right up to the fence...

The chickens are a mixed flock...

That looks like Burt to the right of the photo, and he's a Derbyshire Redcap.  I used to believe that hens needed a cock to lay eggs, but they don't.  They do, of course need a rooster to produce chicks!

Local schools incubate and hatch chicks for the farm every Spring...

There are two rare breeds included in the flock, and the building of the farm's Poultry Paradise is a work in progress.

A Farmers' Market is held here every Saturday, selling fresh London/ home counties produce.

These are rare Buff Orpington ducks...

They are frequently referred to as "pond ornaments!"  They are a friendly breed, and these two were certainly inquisitive enough to come and say hello to me.

Ducks and drakes pottering around by their pond...

Another deep-yet-scenic lake.  The farm is a charity and various spaces can be hired for parties, corporate and learning events and for film/ photographic shoots.

There are 64 allotments on the farm, and these can only be accessed by their holders.  There's apparently a 23 year waiting list for an allotment!

Directional signs and a warning that pigs can bite!

The sow is called Plum...

...She has a litter of 8-12 piglets every summer.  Some are used for meat; some are passed on to other farms.

I just loved the way the piglets all followed their mummy in an orderly line!

💓

One cutie enjoying the mud!  We all know where they end up, though.

A lovely, fun pig sign and peaceful donkeys grazing...

The donkeys are called George and Dunstan, after nearby churches.

They are the oldest animals on the farm, have taken part in nativity and Palm Sunday events and George has even been the ring bearer for an engagement proposal!

😁

These are rare Brecon Buff Geese, and have a friendly temperament (geese can often be cantankerous!)

I took this during my second wander around the farm, when they had their heads under their wings and were resting.

I suppose it's their polite way of telling me to bugger off!

There was another sheep in this paddock when I gawped in from through the railings, but this one was now all alone.

I like the way my camera picked up the glint in its eye!

Rabbits in their hutch, and this place is certainly worth an hour of your time.

The rabbits were happy to pose for me!

Apparently, they also house guinea pigs and ferrets, but I didn't see any on this occasion.

Wandering through the stables...

Behind the tables you can see the Classroom and the Garden Deck.  The Farm Café is currently closed while they search for a new operator but, until one is found, there is a is a pop-up Cabin Café at weekends. 

The farm is home to four cats, but I only saw three...

Another moggy, and apart from the ferrets, the cats are the only carniverous animals on the farm.

This black cat crossed my path, so I hope it brings me some luck!

This joyful artwork is a map of the farm, and it appears to be made from plastic lids!

💙💚💛💜

The farm has three resident artists who sell their work on the farm.  They produce woodworkings, pottery and contemporary mixed media landscapes, and also hold classes and workshops.

This was a nice day as I used to work not far from this area, so it was a real nostalgia trip.  I also got to venture down to Watney Market in Commercial Road, and I'm so glad to say that it's still thriving in these difficult, uncertain times.

Stepney City farm, I will return. 

Until then,

TTFN

(Ta ta for now)

Miss Elaineous

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