Fairfield Farm Project

Fairfield farm project was opened in 2010 and is designed to provide a range of social and flexible educational opportunities that will improve life opportunities, increase potential employability, independence, healthy lifestyle as well as providing increased choice and enjoyment for children and adults.

All activities operate as a part of a working farm and include elements of animal husbandry, horticulture and farming skills which may lead to recognised qualifications through structured training sessions.

The project provides maximum opportunities to choose and experience a wide range of learning situations and sensory experiences including animal care, milking cows, growing food crops and arts and crafts. The facility is flexible and can be accessed most days, including weekends and can be available for use in the evenings, all by prior appointment.

The facility offers a safe, stimulating environment with a range of activities that can be tailored to the individual. Risk assessments for the farm and the activities are already in place. Fairfield farm project is registered with the Royal Horticultural Society, gardens for schools scheme and has achieved benchmark level 4, to date. The Farm manager, Ian Daniel holds a qualification from FACE (Farming & Countryside Education) in the delivery of farm based learning activities.

Higher Thorns Green Farm in conjunction with Fairfield Care, offer farm based activities and experiences to young people with Autism conditions and learning disabilities, Including:

• Fairfield Care qualified, trained and experienced staff available to support children and adults with farm visits on outreach sessions, including transport to and from the farm
• Raised Vegetable beds where regular visitors can grow their own fruit and vegetables, under the guidance and support of a qualified special educational needs teacher with ‘community education and lifelong learning’ teaching qualification on specified days
• Fairfield Care are registered to offer training and tutoring towards ASDAN qualifications for young people with learning disabilities, these include independence living skills, animal husbandry and horticulture. Fairfield can provide ‘in to work’ supported training days with support staff
• Small kitchen facilities enabling you to cook the vegetables that you have grown on site. Life skills tutor offers cooking demonstrations and instruction.
• Groom, feed and care for a variety of animals including Gloucester Old Spot pigs, pygmy goats, ‘Harry’ the miniature pony, Highland cattle, Sicilian Miniature Donkey’s and ‘Matilda’ the Jersey Cow.
• Demonstration days by request, such as owl flying, willow weaving, etc