Unique or Distinct.

It is well known that something connected to the earth and the environment and the seasons is good for people. The idea that experiencing the seasons and accepting change as a natural progression rather than it being something to fear, or feeling that it is something you cannot control. It builds up people's ability to function again, their physical stamina, the way you relate and can work in a team, their understanding of the environment. It builds social skills and confidence as well as developing horticultural skills.

It provides cognitive skills involving memory and trying out different things and the results are always tangible. A small plot is a sheltered environment builds up general ability and competence. It keeps people fit and mobile and in touch with other people. It helps people put their lives together.

It is recommended that you visit the National Care Farming Initiative Website: http://www.ncfi.org.uk/

Reasons for a Care Farm

1. Care farming combines care of the land with care of people
2. Care farming uses commercial farms, woodlands and market gardens as a base for promoting mental and physical health through normal farming activity.
3. Care farming seeks to develop people's possibilities and potential rather than focus on their limitations.
4. Care farming is a partnership between farmers, participants and health and social care agencies.
5. Farms that combine care of people with care of the land are growing in number and based all over the UK.
6. Care farms offer a variety of services as part of the daily running of the farm. Care farms may offer day-care right through to full residential programmes.
7. What all care farms have in common is an atmosphere where people feel safe, respected and engaged in meaningful activity.
   

Who Benifits?

Many participants on care farms experience improvements to their physical, mental and spiritual health and well-being. Participants connect with a healthy daily structure and meaningful work in a natural environment - gaining social, educational and training benefits.

The farming environment can be used to provide significant benefits for a wide range of people including:-

• those with learning difficulties
• people with a drug/alcohol history
• disaffected and excluded youth
• people with work-related stress
• those with mental health issues and depression

Care farming is good for rural communities and economies as it enhances the viability of farms, broadens farm business, buys locally and increases the services derived from the countryside. Farmers receive a deep sense of satisfaction through helping people improve their lives through farming - and having guests of the farm also addresses issues of rural isolation.

Care farming places a high value on the knowledge and skills of farmers and seeks to help rural communities become more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.