Care Farm

The idea of HunnyBeez started with our RDA group (Riding for the Disabled).  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 Summer 2024 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 like to keep our sessions quiet, allowing everyone some 1-1 time, so our sessions will be limited to 8 participants with 2 members of staff and where possible some volunteers as well.  We are registered with LEAF and Social Farms & Gardens

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.

During our longer sessions, 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?

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

When are you sessions?

Mondays - toddler Cakes & Cuddles /EHE sessions

Tuesdays - mini care farm sessions 4-7yrs / private sessions

Wednesdays - Juniors care farm 8-12yrs / private sessions

Fridays - care farm - approx 12yrs +  half or full days

Saturdays - Pony Play

                        Nature's Encounters

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 4yrs.  Sessions are separated by age ranges.  Any additional needs, neurodivergence, physical challenges etc are welcome.  *Adults/children left in our care may need a carer to remain depending on needs.  This will be discussed when enrolling

For participants under 4yrs we run our cakes & cuddles sessions.

What will the costs be?

Our groups will be small to ensure an enjoyable session - max 8.  There will be not be lots of other groups attending so the farm will not be a hive of busy groups.  Sessions are booked termly which are usually between 5-6 sessions

Click on the link below for current sessions and price list

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Costs include all equipment (unless special event), refreshments and snacks.

Lunch is not provided

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.