Keep up to date with the latest activity at our Care Farms with our regular newsletter!
The Care Farm is a special place where children and young people with additional needs can thrive. The calm environment and range of holistic learning opportunities available are impressive. The skillful and intuitive staff forge positive working relationships quickly with youngsters and parents/carers alike, so that sessions are impactful as possible from an early stage.
Social Farms and Gardens, of which we are an approved member, defines care farming as “the therapeutic use of farming practices”. Participants are encouraged to grow in confidence and skills and to develop their independence. Their health and wellbeing are nurtured and supported.
Season and weather-dependent, on a day-to-day basis our activities may include guinea pig, rabbit, and pig grooming, cleaning, weighing and feeding, seed and plug planting, gardening, vegetable harvesting, watering, weeding, wild art, nature walks, woodwork, composting, bird watching, insect and tree identification and activities such as campfire cooking and whittling.
Literacy and numeracy skills are embedded within our work and we are accredited providers of Assessment and Qualification Alliance (AQA) Unit Awards and the John Muir Award, an environmental award scheme that encourages people to connect with, enjoy and care for nature.
Emotional literacy is an integral aspect of our work at Lakeside, with events such as the passing and burial of one of our guinea pigs being perfect for exploring feelings and emotions.
Since opening our first care farm, we have worked with 370 children, young people and adults. Our experienced staff work with individuals and small groups. This includes, for example, children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), adult special needs groups and families. We are accredited providers for Wiltshire Council.
Our costs are determined on an individual basis.
I have just watched Country file and would like to say what a fantastic resource this is for children and young adults with special needs.
~ Alison from Salisbury
Following on from the success of Lakeside Care Farm, we recently expanded with a second care farm, called The Willows Care Farm, which opened its doors to students in November thanks to generous donations to our appeal. Read more
Lakeside Care Farm is recognised as a thriving and effective setting that offers children, young people and adults with individual needs, the opportunity for meaningful education and work-based experiences in nature conservation, farming, horticulture and Forest School activities. Read more