Care Farm

The idea of HunnyBeez started with our RDA group.  We firstly opened Parklands RDA in 2015 and loved seeing how much joy the horses bought to everyone involved, we also realised how much just been outdoors was a benefit to everyone else as well.  Some participants enjoyed seeing the sheep or our chickens, many were intrigued by the bees and our honey, so this year we decided to open up our small holding as a therapeutic or 'care' farm so everyone could enjoy our little farm as much as we do.....and so we found HunnyBeez

Parklands RDA remains based at the farm, with events often being run together.  

We are registered with LEAF and Social Farms & Gardens and will be opening fully in April 2024, although we will be holding smaller events before this.

Our care farm sessions will be held Monday, Thursday & Fridays 10am-3pm.  We like to keep our sessions quiet, allowing everyone some 1-1 time so our sessions will be limited are 8-9 participants with 2 members of staff and hopefully some volunteers as well.

What can we do?

We have a wide range of activities including

• equine care & horsemanship
• small animal care
• working with our farm animals
• horticulture & gardening
• outdoor activities
• arts & crafts

Most importantly to be part of our team.  We make honey, biltong and other products to sell to help fund the care farm and everyone can get involved giving a sense of responsibility and achievement.

At lunch we will  all join together in our common room for some down time.  We provide hot & cold drinks and snacks but please bring a packed lunch.

What are the benefits of care & social farming?

As the title says its a fantastic social day to meet people, work within a team and learn new skills

• Improved mental health & well-being
• improved physical health & mobility
• Social and Communication skills
• learning new skills and responsibility
• Connecting with animals & nature

Our sessions also benefit carers who enjoy being outdoors, taking part and meeting others

What will we need to bring?

• Be prepared for the outdoors, old clothing and suitable shoes & wellies.  We suggest to change shoes on arrival so you have clean shoes for lunch and leaving.  Overalls are recommended.
• gloves and warm hats for winter, caps and sun cream for the hotter months
• named water bottles
• Any personal equipment you may need to help you through the day including medications
• Packed lunch.  We provide hot & cold drinks and some basic snacks but due to the complexity of some diets its better to provide a packed lunch.
• YOUR CARER/PARENT/GUARDIAN - if you need a carer at home, you will need your carer at HunnyBeez.  It will be just as much fun for your carer as well as yourself.

Who can come to the care farm?

We welcome anyone over the age of 11years.

On Tuesday afternoons we run our Mini Nature's Encounters club for 3-7yr olds

What will the costs be?

Our groups will be small to ensure an enjoyable session - max 8-9 participants.  There will be not be lots of other groups attending so the farm will not be a hive of busy groups.

A full day 10am-3pm will cost £82.75 this includes refreshments through out the day.

Half days 10am-12.00 or 1pm-3pm will cost £40.75

Is the farm fully accessible?

Most of the farm is fully accessible and we can adapt sessions for areas that are not.  Over time we will be making the farm fully accessible.