Seasons Changing at Wick Care Farm

January and February 2026 were record-breakingly wet across many parts of the UK. At Wick Care Farm we try to appreciate the changing of the seasons whatever the weather, but as a therapeutic setting we also recognise the impact that these wet, grey and cold days can have – particularly on our hormones. Reduced sunlight exposure can decrease serotonin levels, leading to dysregulated moods. Darkened skies increase melatonin production – contributing to ‘winter tiredness’. Dopamine-rich activities like socialising, exercise and time spent in nature are often forgotten in the colder months, contributing to feelings of being ‘flat’ and ‘unmotivated’.

At Wick Care Farm we operate year-round to support our clients to meet the challenges of the changing seasons. We pride ourselves on making farm-based activities accessible throughout the year for our diverse community… keeping those happy hormones in check!

Many of us have been participating in a Mile a Day (MAD) challenge – committing to walk or

run a mindful mile each day. From morning walks on the farm to evening jogs, members of

the WCF Community have braved the bleak weather each day, covering a fantastic 377 miles in January. The monies raised from this challenge will be used towards a new cover for our polytunnel – and if you would like to make a donation you can do so here:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/joel-stevens-1

In the same way, Lynne Raymer, whom you all know, is also challenging herself to 60 brisk

walking badges in March (see NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/walking-for-health/) to celebrate 60 years of Rotary in Pershore. If you would like to sponsor her in aid of the Care Farm, please contact her. The polytunnel is of course the backbone of our horticulture activities and where our lovely tomato plants – all sown and grown by members of the Wick Care Farm community – are beginning to grow. With this in mind, we’re pleased to invite you to our Plant Sale & Friends of Wick Care Farm Open Day on Saturday, 25th April. Enjoy the launch of our annual tomato plant shop with a delicious slice of homemade cake – all while learning more about Wick Care Farm. Visitors may of course be able to spot a lamb or two prancing about the field. Our own ewes are due to lamb at the end of March, and many of you will be aware that our five newly-adopted cade lambs have also been bringing lots of sunshine to Wick Care Farm. As many of you will know, the term ‘cades’ refers to orphaned lambs who are fed by the bottle, and this

year's intake are certainly thriving!

Whether it’s the tomato plants in the polytunnel or the lambs in the field, water is a

constant necessity at Wick Care Farm. With this in mind, we are proud to announce the

successful completion of a rain-harvesting water system, funded by the Severn Trent

Community Fund. Over the past few months, a 10,000-litre collection tank has been

installed supplying:

● New standpipes for the vegetable allotment

● A drip-feed irrigation system in the polytunnel

● Water connections for our livestock and poultry areas

This system will significantly reduce reliance on the mains supply during dry periods,

improve water efficiency, and make work easier for volunteers and clients who keep the

farm thriving. Most importantly, it ensures a sustainable and consistent water source for the

animals and plants. Respect for the environment lies at the heart of everything we do, and

this project is an exciting step toward our sustainability goals.

We are also pleased to announce that our Quiet Room will be installed in the next couple of

weeks (possibly by the time this article goes out!) We are incredibly grateful for the

outstanding generosity of the local community for turning this idea into reality. Thanks to

your support — through events, donations, and partnerships — £32,000 has been raised to

build a dual-purpose Quiet Room and Office. Special thanks go to:

Evesham Social Club, Friends of Wick Care Farm, Haydn Rhodes, Anna Barthorpe, Mayfair

Care Agency, Wychavon Rural Fund & UKSPF, and Pershore Rotary for their amazing

contributions to this milestone project.

Dates for Your Diary:

Saturday, 25th April – Plant Sale & Friends of Wick Care Farm Open Day Come and browse

an extensive variety of tomato plants —and more — and enjoy the Coffee & Cake Café!

Saturday, 9th May – Pop-Up Seasonal Dinner at Wick Care Farm. A delicious dinner event

hosted by WCF & professional chef Dirk de Cuyper.

You can find out more about Wick Care Farm at:

Website: www.wickcarefarm.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wickcarefarm

Instagram: www.instagram.com/wick_care_farm