‘This Farm of Ours’ by Tom Hardie
By Bethany Harrison
Longdown Activity Farm
In the heart of Southern England lies the New Forest. A captivating mix of ancient woodlands, heathlands and small villages that are widely known for their idyllic nature. The gentle presence of wildlife roaming freely adds to the unique aspect of the area as few other places in the UK display similar wonders. Nestled within, lies a hidden gem called Longdown Activity Farm.
Longdown Activity Farm is a family-run farm that is home to a variety of animals. Originally opened in 1983, the farm’s informative nature has drawn in many families and schools to take part in their sessions, teaching individuals the importance of wildlife and agriculture. From trampolines to feeding piglets, the farm offers a wide range of fun and educational sessions and workshops for everyone to enjoy!
‘This Farm of Ours’
‘This Farm of Ours’ is a student-created photography portfolio that looks to illustrate the importance of agriculture within a community. Utilising the skills taught in the Photography module, Hardie captures aspects of the Farm that effectively communicate the meaning of community. This is achieved through the chronology of the portfolio that appears to follow a day in the life of the workers, demonstrating the hard work that goes into maintaining a farm behind the scenes.
After all, agriculture is one of the cornerstones of society. Providing nourishment, clothes and shelter, there truly is no end to the importance of farms. Especially considering that running a farm is a 24/7 job which Hardie perfectly captures in his portfolio.
Album description – By Tom Hardie
Situated next to the New Forest, Longdown Activity Farm is home to a wide variety of animals and provides fun and educational trips for people of all ages. The farm has been open to the public as a tourist attraction since 1983 when Bryan and his wife Dawn expanded their dairy unit.
My project This Farm of Ours aims to showcase the importance of agriculture within a local community and the benefits that it provides. From rearing animals to being sustainable by producing their own goods and supporting local businesses, it is the workers who are the foundation behind it all. Everyone has so much love and devotion for the animals, and it was apparent that they all enjoyed their job. I was lucky enough to explore the farm early in the morning before opening hours at the crack of dawn. There was a constant sense of serenity all around; it was almost like being transported to another world.