Iestyn Melton, with Florrie Melton from Herefordshire, talk to Izzah.
Students continue their long wait for doors of hallowed learning to open. As we contemplate what next in this uncertain environment, let us take a break and talk to students from the country.
We would like to thank you Iestyn for taking the trouble to do a mini photo-journal for CityBugle readers. Before we begin, could you please tell us where Herefordshire is?
It’s in the middle of England, go to the left towards Wales and you’ll find it between Wales and Gloucestershire.
What has been the best thing about being home from school?
Family time - doing jobs together, playing games or going for walks.
How different is it living there compared to living in a city?
It’s very different. It’s much quieter, there are less buildings, less pollution, it’s cleaner, there is more woodland and wildlife.
Did you get people coming in from outside, who don't normally live there?
Not really, it’s mostly people who live in or close to the village. There have been a lot more people running or walking dogs in the woodlands though.
I'm surprised to see that you spotted some litter and documented it. We thought that this would only happen in cities. Is that because of visitors?
Probably - or just people who don’t care. We think a lot of it gets thrown or flies out of passing car windows. People who live here use the roads and the woods for exercise and respect the local area.
Was the village shop well-stocked during the lockdown?
It was open and had priority hours for elderly and NHS workers. There is also a food bank running from the village hall for people/families who are in need.
Did you learn any new skill during your time off school?
Yes! Lots of things: lacemaking, bracelet making, pottery, baking, using tools, gardening and fixing a water pump.
In the city we have noticed more birdsong. Have you found more wildlife?
We do have lots of wildlife, but we have definitely noticed more deer in the woods and more birds in our garden and in the hedgerows/woodland locally. There are a lot more butterflies. Our neighbours have a wildcat in their garden at the moment! We also rescued some baby wrens that had gotten trapped in our rabbit run. The lack of traffic means we can appreciate the sounds of nature more.
CityBugle is all about learning from experiences for global impact. Would you like to say something about how you feel we can make our world a better place?
Stop littering! Use less plastic. Plant more trees and use less cars. Enjoy and respect nature. Stop wasting food.
What crops are grown where you live and do you manage to drink the milk of local cattle? If so, how does doorstep produce taste compared to supermarket food?
Lots! Corn, wheat, oil seed, potatoes, apples, strawberries, raspberries. There are also plenty of cows and sheep. Our milkman delivers milk from local dairies. We are very lucky in that the shops in Ross stock produce from local farms - high quality meat, fresh eggs (sometimes we get these from friends who have chickens - they are much better than supermarket ones!), local butter and the most beautiful fresh in season strawberries from just down the road. We find that there is a difference in quality, local food tastes much better and is better to cook with, and you feel better for buying it - supporting local farmers and local businesses and knowing the origins of the food we eat. A local farm runs an open day every few years so you can visit and see exactly how the animals are treated, the cows are milked and how the orchards are managed. It’s really interesting!
Florrie, how did it feel like going back to school on your first day? Many schools here have yet to open, could you let us know how your school managed to keep to social distancing rules?
I was a bit nervous on Monday as I didn’t know what was happening but it was really good. We manage social distancing by having separate desks and our own new equipment from the teachers. At play and lunch we have to stay 2m apart, but we can still play and chat. We leave a space on the benches between us so that we can talk. There are only nine of us in school at the moment so it has been easier to social distance. I have enjoyed seeing my friends and my teacher.
Thank you Iestyn and Florrie!