Our project is to create a petting farm and cafe, established by young people with additional needs who will themselves build the animal enclosures, tend the animals, run the cafe and help to create an immersive walkway to the farm.  The plan is in four stages with the final stage seeing the farm and cafe open to the public giving the local community access to the farm run by people with additional needs.  

The farm and cafe will be designed with people with additional needs in mind, for example the immersive walkway will have a sensory walk, with different tactile panels, plants to ignite the senses and quiet spaces.  Both the farm and the cafe will give employment opportunities to people with disabilities allowing them to firstly gain qualifications, work experience and then employment.

We believe that children should have ownership of this space, as a result of this we have worked with local SEN groups.  They will come in and work with young people to design and create some of the animal enclosures and feeding areas e.g. planters, sheds, animal runs.  These ideas are the ones already put forward by young people during consultation.  This work will give every child across the user group the opportunity to shape the farm and feel the sense of pride in building parts of it themselves.  This work will increase their confidence, self belief as well as practical skills and carry forward to other tasks they may complete in the future.

Whilst our project has a clear practical aspect, the intrinsic benefits like increased confidence and self-esteem within the project are potentially life changing.  The outdoors, the learning opportunities, the family time alongside making new friends and building community relationships are all known positive factors on improving mental health issues.  

Stage one

To create a small holding for animals (guinea pigs, tortoise, chickens, goats) that children and young people with learning disabilities can nurture.  The project lets young people  take the lead in caring for the animals and giving some young people the opportunity to gain qualifications in animal care and eventually employment.

Stage One work will include, getting the area ready for animals, cutting down bushes, laying a hardstanding for the animals, building shelters and food stores and finally choosing the animals and making them at home.  All the work will be completed by young people and volunteers so funds would be used to purchase equipment/raw materials needed for the area.

Stage Two

To build/install a cafe from shipping containers

Stage Three

Create an immersive path to lead up to the farm and cafe

Stage Four

Open to the public and create a much needed community resource providing employment o those with additional needs and work experience to help them gain work in the future.

The farm will be an invaluable local community resource,giving access to local schools and community groups. It also would like to register it for Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme volunteers. 

The long term goal will be an invaluable community hub,  giving employment and training to people with additional needs, a place for local people to go, particularly those with special needs, giving this community something to be proud of.