A SMALLHOLDING is making a big difference to the lives of adults and children with learning difficulties.

Nigel Pritchard and wife Vanessa run Holtwood Community Farm, a 15 acre Dorset County Council smallholding. But as well as the usual farm tasks, Nigel and Vanessa, along with their staff, welcome around 12 people a day, who all have wide-ranging support needs, to enjoy the benefits of farm life.

Nigel used to teach people with learning difficulties at Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester and, in 2009, set up the Walled Garden in Moreton.

When land became available at Holtwood, Nigel tendered for the smallholding, which houses pigs, sheep, free-range hens, a couple of cattle and an acre-and-a-half of horticultural crops.

The farm’s five full-time and two part-time employees all have extensive experience in social care and education.

Nigel said: “There is a real mixture of people, ranging from those on the autistic spectrum, including Asperger’s to those with challenging behaviours or others with mental health issues.

“The guys love coming to work here each day. They are getting out and doing a worthwhile independent job in a safe and healthy environment, contributing to the running of the smallholding which gives them a real sense of achievement. We are always being told by parents and carers how they see a real change in people’s behaviours when they start at the farm, due to the fresh air sending them home tired but happy. We also work with special school groups, generally having one school each day of the week.”

Nigel added that the farm can make a huge difference to people’s lives. 

“I remember a young man who I first met in 2008 who had Asperger’s. He was unable to look at people and just about managed to say hello. He had attempted to end his life a couple of times and was in a very dark place when he started at the Walled Garden. When we moved to Holtwood he came with us and we worked with him for six years. He moved on from us and now has his own flat and recently started his own business.”

Visit holtwood-community-farm.co.uk