Care Farm
‘Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.’ ~ Robert Louis Stevenson
Spending time outdoors, caring for animals and taking part in purposeful activities has been shown to improve confidence, emotional regulation, resilience and wellbeing. At Willow Tree Farming, every activity is designed around the individual’s goals, helping people learn, grow and flourish in a supportive natural environment.
At Willow Tree Farming we aim to ‘grow’ the well-being of an individual through therapeutic farming practices and a holistic approach.
Growing Confidence, Wellbeing
and Brighter Futures
and Brighter Futures
At Willow Tree Farming, we believe that spending time outdoors, caring for animals and taking part in meaningful practical activities can be life changing.
Our 30-acre working family farm, just outside Hillington on the edge of the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, provides a safe, supportive environment where children, young people and adults can build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop the practical, emotional and social skills they need to thrive.
Every person is different, which is why every Care Farm programme is tailored to the individual. Working alongside families, schools, commissioners and healthcare professionals, we create personalised programmes that are evidence-based, goal-focused and designed to promote lasting positive change.
Building Skills for Everyday Life
Everything we do is designed to help individuals develop skills that extend far beyond the farm.
Participants are encouraged to:
- Build confidence and self-esteem
- Develop practical life skills
- Improve communication and teamwork
- Recognise and manage emotions
- Develop empathy for others and the animals they care for
- Strengthen problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Learn how to assess and manage risk safely
- Increase independence and resilience
Before many farm activities, participants complete a risk assessment with support from their key worker. This encourages thoughtful decision-making and helps develop valuable skills that can be applied in everyday life.
Learning Through Nature
Life on a working farm creates countless opportunities to learn by doing.
Activities may include caring for animals, maintaining the farm, gardening, growing vegetables, seasonal tasks and a wide range of practical projects that encourage teamwork, communication and responsibility.
One recent example is our sensory garden and vegetable patch, designed, created and maintained by the young people we support. As well as providing a peaceful place to relax, socialise and enjoy nature, the project has helped participants develop practical skills, confidence, decision-making and a genuine sense of achievement through working together.
Safe, Professional and Person-Centred
The wellbeing and safety of every individual is central to everything we do.
Our experienced team all hold enhanced DBS checks and receive regular training in safeguarding, first aid and professional development. As members of the Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and continually updating our knowledge, skills and working practices.
Through ongoing training, collaboration with external professionals and a genuine passion for helping people succeed, we strive to provide a Care Farm where every individual feels safe, valued and able to reach their potential.
Whether someone joins us for a one-to-one programme, group sessions or specialist therapeutic support, our aim remains the same: to help them grow in confidence, wellbeing and independence through the unique opportunities that life on a working farm can provide.
Read our Safeguarding Policy.
Referrals
Initial referrals are to be made by telephone and a visit arranged to allow the young person to have a look around the farm and to meet the team, as well as the animals.
Willow Tree Farming does not follow an academic curriculum. Our aims and objectives are around wellbeing, managing behaviour and life skills.
We are included in the Unregulated Alternative Provision Directory (Norfolk County Council) and welcome Quality Assurance checks by the NCC’s SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy and Sufficiency department.
Commissioners/agencies are provided with our policies, procedures and risk assessments prior to their preplacement assessment and are encouraged to visit the young people throughout their farm placement. Please see our Safeguarding Policy.
Our session times are 10 am – 3pm and we offer placements for a maximum of two sessions per week.
Costs will be discussed with the Senior Partner during the referral process.
For further information please contact us:
mobile: 07786 853549
email: info@willowtreefarming.co.uk.