The Butterfly Farmer: A Beautiful Beginning.
Small Moments, Big Wings
This week marked the start of something truly special—the beginning of The Butterfly Farmer project. I was warmly welcomed into the classrooms of Blean, St Peter’s, and Bridge primary schools, where something beautiful is beginning to unfold. Together, we are planting seeds of creativity, growth, and transformation, and although this project will remain small and intimate, it is a part of something much larger—a collective journey that honors the quiet power of metamorphosis.
The project is a celebration of life, change, and hope. As we work together, we’re building butterfly farms—literal and metaphorical spaces where young minds can grow and discover the magic of nature. It’s an opportunity for the children to witness the life cycle of a butterfly, to learn about its fragility and strength, and to feel the joy of nurturing something beautiful. But The Butterfly Farmer project is more than just a lesson in biology—it’s a chance to explore the themes of transformation, of becoming, and of finding one’s wings.
I’ve been so moved by the heartfelt responses from the children. One moment, in particular, stands out. A student handed me a small note that simply said, “I know it was your life, you were different to the other lambs, I know it’s hard.” For me, this felt like a full circle moment—an acknowledgment of the quiet struggles I’ve faced, and a reminder that these moments of connection are what truly matter. As many teachers have told me, the confidence of students who feel hidden, misunderstood, or overlooked often emerges when they feel seen, valued, and loved. This is the power of the shepherd and the butterfly—the quiet and gentle guidance that helps those who are struggling to find their place in the world.
As I move through this journey with the children, it’s clear that there is a method to the madness. The Butterfly Farmer project isn’t just about planting butterfly farms—it’s about nurturing a sense of belonging, fostering creativity, and allowing each child to experience the joy of transformation. And while the impact may seem small at first, I believe that’s okay. Sometimes, the most meaningful changes begin with the smallest of seeds. These moments—each one of them—validate the children and remind me, too, of the light and love that still exists in the world.
This project also connects beautifully with the Kent Wildlife Trust’s mission, as the butterfly farms we’re building align perfectly with the organization’s efforts to encourage positive actions for nature. The Wilder Kent Awards, which recognize schools taking action to support wildlife, would be a perfect fit for the schools involved in this project. It’s a chance for them to be part of a larger movement, one that celebrates the natural world and the role we all play in nurturing it.
https://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/whats-on/wilder-kent-awards
You, too, can get involved. Whether it’s supporting the Kickstarter campaign to bring more copies of The Butterfly Farmer into the world or purchasing a butterfly farm for one of the schools, your involvement will help grow this project and spread its wings far and wide. You can also help by securing a space for me to come and visit your community once the butterflies are fluttering about the meadow. It’s all about building something beautiful, together.
And, for those who are eagerly awaiting the visual element of this project, I’m thrilled to share that the first image will soon be released, painted with the wet-wing ink of Caleb Simmonds’ hands. I’ve confirmed that Caleb is excited to be part of this, and we’re keeping the audience in suspense as we prepare to share his stunning work with you all.
As we embark on this journey, I’m reminded of how far we’ve come and how far we have yet to go. The Wandering Lamb, my first project, has led me here, and now The Butterfly Farmer continues that journey. It’s all interconnected—the stories, the children, the transformation, and the love that flows through each step.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to see where it leads.
With love and gratitude,
#hobopoet
email: td179@canterbury.ac.uk