We were able to visit IRID, but because of Covid we didn’t interact with the residents, we toured the garden and animal area. IRID is becoming more food self-sufficient, growing a large variety of vegetables and also has more animals including hens for laying eggs but also sheep and rabbits which will eventually be used for food and once they’ve completed building a pig pen will also have pigs. They are composting waste material and using it to grow plants. During last year, it has been robbed three times – thieves took building material and also some of the outdoor equipment used by the children. The front of the premise is secure but the back area where the garden and animals are housed is open to surrounding fields. There’s now a camera security system and also “guard geese” as efficient as dogs at announcing intruders.
Link to pictures here:
https://pbase.com/tracyk/2021_03_02_irid_visit