Where care for land and people meet
What is Rural Care?
Rural Care at Aldenham Country Park is a day provision that provides work-related experiences for people with learning disabilities and additional needs in a supportive and caring environment. Co-Farmers are supported by our team of qualified and experienced staff to take part in purposeful activities while having fun and making new friends.
Something for everyone
Co-Farmers work in small, mixed-ability groups on a variety of jobs to suit their individual needs, interests and abilities. We help to look after livestock, grow fruit and vegetables, get involved in nature conservation work and make crafts to sell in the farm shop. A typical day might involve caring for our chickens and collecting their eggs, feeding the cows and sowing seeds or harvesting vegetables. Each day varies throughout the seasons, which helps our Co-Farmers to gain an understanding of how food is produced from field to fork.
Our person-centred approach to learning and experiencing the farm
We encourage active learning and experience in an environment where we challenge, nurture and enable people to succeed. By developing life and social skills, we increase self-esteem and confidence, and encourage stability. We have seen that purposeful outdoor activities aid mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Getting started in Rural Care
Call or e-mail us for an application form and to arrange a visit to Aldenham Country Park. After this you will be invited for a taster day where you can get involved in a variety of jobs so we can see if you like it and how much support you need. The next step is to organise the funding and transport for a place in Rural Care. Co-Farmers are charged according to their support needs: low, medium and high. When all that is in place, you can get started! Rural Care is open Monday-Friday throughout the year from 10am-3pm.
Volunteering in Rural Care
If you would like to volunteer in Rural Care and help us to support people with learning disabilities and additional needs, please call or e-mail us for an application form and to arrange a visit to Aldenham Country Park.
Supporting Schools and Colleges
We currently work with five different schools and colleges to provide a weekly learning programme at the farm for their students with additional needs. We work with each school to create tailor-made educational experiences both inside and outside the classroom that are exciting, practical, motivating and fun. To find out more about our schools and colleges programme, please click here.
Contact us
Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 07788 251 721 for more information.
