Townie Toddler in the Countryside

Townie Toddler has gone back to Spain. The house suddenly seems unwontedly calm and quiet. Rather dull really. This is probably because the two old fogies who live here have no remaining energy – for a day or two at least.

Townie Toddler’s mum wanted her daughter to spend time being a child of the countryside – spending time with its animals, plants and wide open spaces. So off we went on Saturday to Borrowby Show. Horses from shire horses to the tiniest of ponies, sheep, dogs and small animals were all Being displayed to best advantage. Oddly, the only cattle were two charming Jersey calves. One of the set pieces in the afternoon was of The Hunt. Definitely NOT our thing. But Anaïs enjoyed the chance to meet the docile and well-behaved beagles who later tore round the show ring in pursuit of – luckily – a less than realistic hare, who doubtless smelt right.

Here’s our day:

Then the next day, on our way to the airport, it was Meanwood Valley Urban Farm. It was somewhere we often went when we lived in Leeds, and the children were smaller. We loved it then. Now it’s re-invented itself. It’s larger. It has peaceful walks where you can lose yourself in dense copses and apparently distant views. It has all the farmyard animals you’d expect. Yet it’s within walking distance of Leeds City Centre. It has a vegi-box scheme. A bike workshop. It works with volunteers, those with learning disabilities, disengaged young people, and is a welcoming and environmentally focussed part of its local community. It also has a really great café. We spoke to staff and volunteers who talked with pride and enthusiasm about this special place. Almost worth moving back to Leeds for. It was a wonderful finish to Anaïs’ and Emily’s English break.

Brian? Do you see those pigs? That shot’s my Last on The Card in July.

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Author: margaret21

I'm retired and live in North Yorkshire, where I walk , write, volunteer and travel as often as I can.

50 thoughts on “Townie Toddler in the Countryside”

      1. I spent the weekend away with my grandchildren in Skipsea. As they get older (teenagers now) it is like a ticking clock. Probably the best part was when we left and they said ‘can we come here again granddad?’

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      1. I was hanging out the washing and took my little daughter out with me, plonked her on the grass under the clothes line and proceeded to hang the washing.
        I caught my daughter having a go at gumming (no teeth at that stage) a very old dried chook poo. Oh well it help build her immune system as she rarely gets sick

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  12. I’ve never really understood the appeal of hunting but I guess it’s much better to be chasing a fake hare than real animals! That aside, these look like great outings. The urban farm in particular sounds fantastic! Your granddaughter is very cute and it’s clear she enjoyed getting to know a bit of countryside 🙂

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