What do students do when they are with us?

We have a full-time qualified Farm Manager, who is assisted by several full and part-time assistants, both paid and voluntary. Our animal population includes cattle, horses and ponies, sheep and goats, pigs, a variety of types of fowl, and a number of smaller domestic species such as rabbits and guinea-pigs. Our students are taught how to respect and care for the various species of animal that we have. This involves all aspects of handling and moving the animals, feeding, grooming where appropriate, and generally taking responsibility for the welfare of the creatures. We also demonstrate and practise all of the general health and safety considerations that are involved in working in a farm environment.          

How does this help them?

Some of our students can work towards gaining a formal qualification; our Farm Manager is accredited to supervise them as they work towards this goal. All students come away with increased self-esteem, and have gained some basic lifetime skills through working directly in the farm environment. They will have been made responsible, under supervision, for some aspect of the farm’s day-to-day operation, and for the welfare of the animals under their care. They will have done useful work, both alone and as a part of a team.