PEOPLE with learning disabilities will be given a unique insight into life down on the farm in a new venture.

Pip Langdown, tenant of Redlands Farm in Weymouth, wants to set up a charitable trust so she can run an educational project at the site off Dorchester Road.

The idea is that vulnerable adults will be able to grow produce, look after chickens and work in the farm shop.

It is also hoped to bring alpacas to the farm where they will be able to assist in therapy work for people with autism.

Miss Langdown, who is known as Farmer P, needs funds to get the project off the ground and is organising an auction to get the ball rolling.

She has written to a multitude of individuals and organisations asking for support for the venture including Prince Charles. She hopes an amount of grant funding will be available to help her establish the Redlands Farm Trust.

Miss Langdown, who keeps cows, pigs and chickens at Redlands Farm and has a farm shop and tea rooms at the site, said: “It’s a way of diversifying but also I’m keen to offer people an opportunity they wouldn’t normally have.

“It’s a unique project and I hope it gets the support it deserves.”

A range of works will need to be done at the farm to make the venture possible including laying a new wheelchair-friendly path, constructing a barn and installing new drainage.

Miss Langdown reckons it will cost around £40,000 to fund the entire project but says she can progress with elements of the proposal at different times as funding is secured.

She has been discussing the project with Dorset County Council and Weymouth-based Enable Support Services with a view to offering adults with learning difficulties placements at the farm.

Miss Langdown said: “The first part of the project will be to develop an area where adults will be able to grow vegetables and flowers.

“Last year a farm shop was added to the farm which incorporates a tea room and the adults will also be able to help serve and wait in the tea room giving them an opportunity which they may not otherwise have.

“The more capable adults will be able to work towards their health and hygiene certificate which will allow them to cook cakes and bread which can be sold in the farm shop.”

She said phase two involved putting in a new track to access the bottom end of the farm and building a new barn to house alpacas. Wool from the animals will be used to knit items which would be sold in the farm shop.

The auction is one of Miss Langdown’s fundraising ideas and she has secured a number of donations from businesses including tickets for tourist attractions, signed memorabilia, food hampers and clothes.

More donations are being sought.

The auction will be held at Redlands Community Sports Hub on Friday, August 27, at 7.30pm.

For more information about the project and to donate items for the auction call Pip Langdown on 07890 157482.