Care Farms in Scotland
Care Farms in Scotland
Care Farms in Scotland
We are now beginning to build a database of Care Farms in Scotland, so that those interested in getting involved can contact the farms directly. The database is still in its very early stages so please keep checking back regularly!
Below you can find a short summary written by the farms themselves, along with details of how to get in touch.
If you operate a Care Farm in Scotland and would like you details to be included here, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Happy Hens at Wester Deans Farm
Wester Deans is a traditional mixed working farm producing high quality produce marketed locally.
The farm carries 550 breeding ewes, 100 Beef Shorthorn cattle, 12,000 free-range laying hens and 4 horses and ponies. In addition there is an estate and environmental work programme to enhance and improve the natural habits for wildlife.
Happy Hens engages with teenagers from challenging circumstances who are at risk of educational and social exclusion. This is achieved through a strongly supported community atmosphere in a farming environment, where young people are encouraged to perform real tasks on a working farm. Groups of young people come on a daily basis and are supported by a high ratio of adults.
Wester Deans Farm Centre is registered with Disclosure Scotland, all staff and volunteers are fully disclosed to work with children and young people.
Find out more on our 'case studies' page.
Glachbeg Croft
Open since April 2005, Glachbeg is a small farm on the Black Isle which supports adults and children in their learning. The 'croft' is on 13 acres and farms Shetland cattle, pigs, sheep and free range hens. It also produces soft fruits, top fruits and vegetables.
The Centre is run by the Bull family. Bob, the head of centre and a qualified teacher, has many years experience in working with the wider community having managed a Local Authority Education Centre based on a City Farm. He also served on the “Growing Schools” steering group for the DCSF in England, and is an executive member of the National Association of Field Studies Officers. Bob provides support for community projects through the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens. Meanwhile Helen, Bob’s wife, is a Principle Teacher at Drummond School.
The resources at Glachbeg (including the people) provide a suite of tools that can be used in a variety of ways to meet an individual’s needs. Users of Glachbeg include whole school classes, plus individual adults or children with support needs. Each individual or group has a programme designed with their lead professionals to meet particular targets.
Adults who attend are in receipt of direct payments, schools fund visits in the normal way, and children on placement are funded through a Service LevelAgreement with Highland Council, and a variety of other arrangements that are matched with the individual.
In addition there is a Glachbeg Croft Community Association made up of local people. They run occassional open events, and also run a weekly club for adults with support needs and others who have an interest in sustainability known as the In It Together Club. The 'Eco' building is also used by other organisations such as Feis Rois, Transitions group, and others.
Currently Glachbeg employs two full time members of staff, and sessional staff. Future plans include running a programme for young adults leaving school who need support in transition to adult life. This project would be a natural extension of Glachbegs activities, and make best use of Helen’s skills, in 'transition' as recognised by Highland Council and Learning and teaching Scotland.
Gorgie City Farm 
Gorgie City Farm was established for the benefit of the local community in the late 1970s and offiicially opened in 1982. The farm is a well-loved community project in the heart of the city of Edinburgh. The farm provides a space for relaxation; learning and play, all of which are welcome in a deprived and densely populated part of Edinburgh. The farm is a place where city people, most of whom do not have their own gardens and limited access to other green spaces can come for free; every day of the week.
The farm annually provides weekly volunteering opportunities for over 60 people. The vast majority of these participants have additional support needs; these include mental health problems and learning difficulties, young people excluded from school, people recovering from substance misuse, ex-offenders, and the long term unemployed.
We are proud that the farm is inclusive, open to all, and has something for everyone whatever their background or abilities.
Cyrenians Farm
Cyrenians Farm is a small community enterprise located just outside Edinburgh. As well as growing delicious organic fruit and vegetables and cultivating livestock, the Farm is also home to a community of vulnerable young people, many with backgrounds of homelessness.
Our unique approach to residential care helps people to develop their skills through training and ongoing support. Over 80% of our young people say that their experience at Cyrenians Farm improved their self confidence, self esteem, motivation and ability to manage their own lives.
The reseidential care service encourages volunteers from all different backgrounds and cultures. Working alongside our residents is a rewarding challenge. We also offer practical volunteering opportunities on the farming side.