FarmBwoy promotes ecotourism in Clarendon

Dave Meikle faced a daunting setback when he lost his livestock farm and bee apiaries on his family land in Rosewell, Clarendon, due to financial losses and mounting debt.

He had taken out significant loans to expand his farm, only to have his plans abruptly halted.

"I was forced to liquidate all my assets and livestock to keep the banks off my back temporarily, and this made me very depressed," he said.

Despite this adversity, he discovered solace and purpose in the lush Clarendon hills, where he has created the FarmBwoy Hike and Chill.

Meikle began planting oil nut trees, from which he extracted castor oil as a means of survival. At the same time, he made the decision to be as close as possible to nature. He did this by making daily hikes to the picturesque waterfalls in the hills, which gave him to opportunity meditate, rejuvenate and plan his next moves. His connection with nature played a vital role in his recovery, inspiring him to transform the area into an ecotourism attraction, allowing others to find solace and renewal in the same environment.

"I would probably be a mad smaddy by now if it wasn't for the hikes I would take to the waterfalls daily to meditate and balance my energies in this untouched green space," he said.

He now hosts an off-road experience called Hike and Chill every last Sunday in Rosehill, Summerfield, Clarendon, featuring a waterfall hike and a picnic area where guests can enjoy cooked meals, beverages, and music.

"In this space, my guests can lounge in our hammocks, play board games, and soak up nature's sounds," Meikle said.

FarmBwoy also offers group reservations for schools, family and friends, church retreats, and staff outings, with the option to cook your meals in the wilderness. Staying true to his farming roots, they organise tree-planting activities, allowing guests to plant banana trees with their names tagged on them for future visits and harvests.

Under the FarmBwoy brand, he produces virgin cold-pressed coconut oil, honey, olive oil, molasses and natural soaps crafted from these locally sourced ingredients. When asked about future projects, Meikle, a father of two sons and a daughter, revealed his commitment to visiting primary and high schools monthly to educate and inspire students about entrepreneurship.

"I want the youth to be brave, believe in self, and be progressive in whatever area they choose," Meikle said.