Care Farming

In 2005 the Bulmer Foundation started a series of initiatives which led to us becoming a founder member of the National Care Farming Initiative (NCFI).

NCFI has since developed into a strong voice to advocate the benefits of care farming as well as being a co-ordinator of advice and best practise to farmers who are or are considering becoming hosts to people who can benefit from the therapeutic affects of working on the land and/or caring for animals.

Locally, the Foundation partnered with the charity BODS and a local farmer, to develop SHIFT, a care farm initiative at St. Weonards, which successfully provided rehabilitation opportunities for ex-offenders and others from socially deprived backgrounds.

Stimulate

Starting with the evidence of successful schemes in the Netherlands and initiating a series of conversations which, with the help and goodwill of many others, has led to a surge in the number of care farms in the UK.

Influence

NCFI has helped secure national recognition of the benefits of care farming - and has stimulated many farmers to diversify into care farming.

Collaborate

Working with partners to set up new care farm initiatives both locally and nationally.

Change

Helping people to understand and access the therapeutic effects of working on the land and the benefits of re-connection with nature.