Creatures in Flight, by Day and at Night

The lovely sunny September days have not just been enjoyed by the beneficiaries and visitors who come to the farm each day, but also by the abundant flying creatures that call Caring For Life home. When we stroll around the the gardens with the beneficiaries on the Conservation project, the air is humming with the sound of buzzing insects such as honey bees, butterflies and hoverflies taking every opportunity to feed on the long flowering, nectar-rich planting.

Plants such as persicaria, monardas, echinacea and sedums were specifically chosen to provide more forage and larval foodplants for our beleaguered native pollinators and they have been successful in attracting many species. The large flat umbels of a single sedum specimen seems to pulsate with life as dozens of insects systematically move from tiny flower to tiny flower collecting nectar.

Common Darter Dragonfly

It is wonderful to be able to bring people who may be hurting, lonely or isolated within their home to such a beautiful and bountiful environment. For some it is their only experience of being close to nature.

Dragonflies are also enjoying these warm days and the beautiful bright orange-red form of the Common Darter can be seen acrobatically flying around the pond. If you are patient and hold out your hand they may even come and rest on your palm. You can take a closer look at this majestic insect whilst it uses your hand heat to warm up!

Beneficiaries on the conservation project are also really enjoying being involved in our expanded species monitoring work. In particular they love seeing what different species of butterfly or bumblebee they can spot and then checking they have identified it correctly in our new set of field guides.

Another exciting development on the project has been the use of a new moth trap. This has enabled us to start learning which of the 2,500 British moth species can be found on the farm. Attracted to light during the night, they are contained in the trap, examined and recorded the following morning before being released unharmed. Whilst we have only found common species so far we have been amazed at the beauty and intricacy of patterns of these otherwise unseen creatures.

We are very thankful to be surrounded by evidence of God’s amazing creation here at Crag House Farm and are privileged to be able to share it with many precious individuals who may never otherwise get to enjoy it.

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#CragHouseFarm #CaringForLife #CFL #Conservation #TherapeuticDaytimeActivities #Moths #Dragonfly #CommonDarter

His Story

Tuesday was a very unusual day at Caring For Life. 

None of our businesses were open. We had no beneficiaries on site. We didn’t do any home visits. 

Instead we had all staff together for a great big team day. This is a rare and highly prized opportunity to spend time with our colleagues to focus on the amazing opportunity that God has called us all to in this place. 

A group of staff in one of the training seminars.

The day started with a wonderful presentation from Esther one of the founders of Caring For Life who gave us a breath-taking insight into the history of the charity over the last 32 1/2 years and indeed what God has been doing through his people on the site of the charity’s headquarters, Crag House Farm, over many centuries. 

The presentation took place in our beautiful 17th century barn which is now home to The Granary Restaurant and we had a few laughs as we were reminded what it used to look like and the very many purposes it had in the past. 

However, although the change and progress that could be seen in the farm and its buildings was impressive, the changes seen in so many precious lives over these years is far more important. 

We’ve seen thousands reached, helped, loved, rehoused and many many souls won for the Saviour. 

And as it says above the entrance to the Granary: Non nobis  Domine Non Nobis Sed Nomini Tuo Da Gloriam (Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory.) - Psalm 115:1

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#CragHouseFarm #CaringForLife #CFL #StaffTrainingDay #LearningTogether #HisStory

Try Something Different Day

One recent lunchtime at Crag House Farm provided an opportunity for a bit of fun, when people who come along to therapeutic activity projects at Crag House Farm tried something a bit different! 

One of our beneficiaries having a go at plate spinning!

The therapeutic projects provide marvellous opportunities for people to be away from their day to day circumstances, to enjoy a free meal, to learn new skills and to enjoy friendships. They also provide vital company for people who may be isolated at home most days of the week.

This was an opportunity to dare to try out something completely different, whilst safe in the company of friends. It certainly caused hilarity! Just laughing together can be the “best medicine” as an old saying goes! 

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#CragHouseFarm #CaringForLife #CFL #LunchtimeFun #PlateSpinning #FunDays