A new care farm for children, young people and adults with special educational needs is being established in West Wiltshire. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust plans to create the new facility at 70-acres Mill Farm, with it being modelled on the hugely successful Lakeside Care Farm in north Wiltshire, which provides work-based experiences in nature conservation, farming and horticulture, alongside forest school activities.
The existing stable block is due to be converted to create a warm and usable set of classrooms, kitchen and changing area. Additionally the site will feature a ‘growing area’ with poly-tunnels, raised beds, an orchard and pond, animal pens and wooden shelters. The students will be involved in developing the new site and building some of the infrastructure needed, giving a genuine sense of ownership and teaching them new skills.
Mill Farm in Broughton Gifford has been generously donated to the Trust by previous owners Linda Siddall and Henry Litton, who were inspired by the growing need to provide services for students with additional needs, social and communication difficulties, as well as those in need of emotional support. The new Care Farm, The Willows, will also provide local children at the primary school with weekly forest school activities.
“This fantastic facility is only possible through the generosity of Linda and Henry and of the many people donating and funding the conversion,” explained Damian Haasjes, Head of Education at the Trust. “We are excited to be launching a new Care Farm and are aware of the significant impact this will have on young lives for years to come. We have been impacted by COVID-19 and still have some funding to find but we are hopeful to be able to accept our first students in the Autumn Term.
“Many of our young people are on the autism spectrum, and they have additional needs, mental health, social and communication difficulties and are in need of emotional support.
“The varied nature‐based programmes undertaken on the Lakeside care farm include nature conservation, farming, horticulture and forest school activities.
“A 2016 Natural England Report found that nature-based interventions such as care farming can improve mental health by reducing depression and anxiety, improving self‐esteem and confidence, and increasing feelings of safety, security, and belonging. Tasks could include growing fruit and vegetables, feeding and caring for pigs and rabbits, as well as play time in an atmosphere of calm productivity.
“We have seven full‐time and eight part‐time staff. All are fully vetted and undergo ‘Team Teach’ training, as well as a full induction programme. They are supported by two volunteers, one with an animal science and management background who is looking to gain experience in a care farm setting, and another who is an occupational therapist in neurological rehabilitation.”
With the closure of two special schools in Wiltshire and a centralisation of provision, local support has become a priority for parents and special needs children who struggle to manage the long journey to school. Waiting lists have already increased across all of the Trust’s special needs provision, so once established, The Willows Care Farm will become a vital support for students in the west of the county.
The Trust has secured a figure approaching £100,000 to date towards the costs of the conversion, but with major fundraising events cancelled in the wake of COVID 19, is still seeking funding to complete the project in full.
Any companies or individuals who are able to donate to the project can do so at www.wiltshirewildlife.org/Appeal/willows-care-farm or by contacting Dugald McNaughtan on email hidden; JavaScript is required
Anyone wanting to find out more about the Care Farm can contact Damian Haasjes via email at email hidden; JavaScript is required or by calling 01380 736096.