Thumbs up from members of Gorleston's "mucky" youth club

Those are the words of a member of a new agricultural youth club in Gorleston.

Good to Grow based at the Bread Kitchen project on Potters Field runs every Saturday.

At the club, children "get mucky" in nature, feed and water the area's some 50 animals, and develop a variety of agricultural skills in the fresh air.

Eli and Maya taking care of the guinea pigs at the Good to Grow youth club. (Image: James Weeds)

Eleven-year-old Florence Beatrice Achenbach said she hasn't missed a session yet.

"It's really good," she said.

"I just love the animals, especially the ferrets.

"Everyone's nice here, and they listen. It's nice and big as well."

For mother Julie Hunns, 47, the club provides her with knowledge of the local area.

"We've just moved here from Somerset," Mrs Hunns said.

"We're trying to get to know the area and find fun things for the kids. We all love animals, and it's nice to have the time outdoors."

Julie Hunns with her daughter, Erica, by the chicken coop. (Image: James Weeds)

Mrs Hunns said the group is helping her daughters Erica and Freya develop self-confidence.

"The school they go to has a nice outdoor area with bug hotels," she added.

"And by coming here, I'm trying to get them interested in the world and encourage them to get stuck in with projects."

Ten-year-old Freya Hunns with her favourite guinea pig, Oreo. Freya said she would go to the youth club every day if she could. (Image: James Weeds)

For co-director Mike Smith-Clare, that's what Good to Grow is all about.

"This is a brilliant opportunity for kids to get dirty and have fun," he said.

"We even have a mud kitchen, where children can make mud pies and bricks for a mud house. It's great fun.

"It gives a chance for kids to be outside and just enjoy themselves."

Good to Grow co-director Mike Smith-Clare. (Image: James Weeds)

The four-acre plot has dens, tyre tunnels, as well as an abundance of farmyard animals.

Living at the plot are several families of guinea pigs, ferrets, running ducks, chickens and sheep. There is also an area for growing herbs and crops. 

"Everything here, we have built," Mr Smith-Clare said.

"It's amazing to see kids getting stuck in."

The mud kitchen at Good to Grow. (Image: James Weeds)

The youth club is welcoming all children, and is held at the plot behind James Paget University Hospital every Saturday between 10am and midday and costs £3 per session.

Good to Grow also hosts a toddler group, which currently has over 30 regular members, every Wednesday, and they have a group for homeschooled children on Thursdays.

For more information contact Cathy at the Bread Kitchen at 07825 554345.