Holtwood Community Farm
Pumpkin Picking & Open Day - Saturday 14th October 2023 - 11am - 3pm
We will be holding our annual autumn open day & pumpkin picking on Saturday 14th October. We will have produce for sale including fresh Pork & Lamb (pre order on 07585 418829 to avoid disappointment), vegetables and of course pick your own pumpkins.
There will also be games, a bbq, raffle, fancy dress competition and weather permitting, steam engine rides around the field. Entry is free, please bring cash/ change to pay for games, raffle etc although we will have a card machine available to pay for pumpkins & produce.
We are operating a booking system for the pumpkin picking in order to avoid over crowding in the field and anyone being disapointed. To book, please use the contact us form, email contact@holtwood-community-farm.co.uk or text 07585 418829 with what time you would like (between 11am & 2pm) and how a rough number of people in your group.
Day centre places available
We are finally getting back to normal after Covid-19 restrictions and are now able to offer a limited number of places for our day service. This is available to any adults with learning difficulties, autism and mental health problems.
If you or someone you care for are interested in attending the farm, please call 07596 205226 to discuss your requirements and arrange a look around the farm or trial day.
Who we are
Welcome to Holtwood Community Farm
We are a day service provider for adults with mental health problems, Autism and other learning difficulties based on 15 acres of land in the beautiful countryside near Wimborne, Dorset.
Our aim is to provide a safe and relaxing environment in which our clients can explore and learn about the countryside, agriculture and horticulture whilst also developing their independence, interpersonal skills and confidence.
Our History
Holtwood Community Farm was established in 2010 by Nigel Pritchard, on 15 acres of council tenanted land in Holtwood, Dorset. Nigel set up the farm having spent the previous years working at Kingston Maurward College and witnessing first hand the lack of provision of day services for those leaving the education system.
His vision was to create a place where adults with a range of learning difficulties would be able to experience, enjoy and learn from working in a rural environment with other like minded individuals.
Over the last 9 years the farm has gone from strength to strength and now offers day services for up to 20 individuals per day as well as hosting groups from a selection of schools in the local area.
Who do we cater for
The farm is targeted towards adults (18+) with learning difficulties and we currently support both Men and Women of ages, from 18 through to 65. We can offer support for a larger variety of needs so please get in contact to find out if we can help you.
Our clients work in groups of service users with one of our members of staff, assisting with a whole range of jobs across the farm. Every day is different but some of the jobs that clients take part in can be seen below.
Our Philosophy
Our aim is simple; to provide a calm, relaxing and safe environment in which our clients are able to come to learn, have fun and interact with others.
We try to maximise the experience of each individual client based on their needs and capability, by supporting them to achieve their potential.
We believe that being outside in a rural environment can be a huge boost to mental wellbeing as well as good for your health. The responsibility that comes with caring for animals and the rewarding experience that is nurturing a plant from seed through to harvest, can be of huge benefit both mentally and physically.
What we do
Operating a busy small holding is a huge job, and there is always something to be done on the farm. This is just a selection of the things we do on a day to day basis.
Animal Care
At Holtwood we have a whole menagerie that needs taking care of; Chickens, Pigs, Sheep, Goats, Pony, Donkey, Ducks, Rabbits and more. Clients help with feeding, cleaning and day to day care.
The shop
Our small on site shop offers an outlet to sell eggs and all the vegetables that we grow through the season.
Gardening
During the warmer months we grow a large number of vegetables for both staff and clients to enjoy, and stock our shop. Clients are involved in all aspects of horticulture from preparing the ground in spring and sowing seeds, right through to harvesting in the Autumn.
Maintenance
There is always a longlist of jobs that need doing on the farm and clients assist with a wide range of these, from fencing to building animal houses, mowing the grass to making hay.
News & Events
Please see below for our latest news and any upcoming events
Solar Power System installed at Holtwood Community Farm
The installation of a Solar Energy System at the farm just before Christmas was made possible with the aid of a significant grant from Low Carbon Dorset as part of the European Regional Development Fund.
This will enable us to run our fridge and freezer for the shop more efficiently, as well as lights for inside working and will make an enormous difference to our day to day operations. On top of that it is highly energy efficient and will help reduce Dorset's Carbon footprint.
The system uses 12 solar panels mounted to the roof of our barn, along with a system of batteries and electrical equipment to provide mains voltage power in the areas around the barn.
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© Copyright Holtwood Community Farm LLP
Registered Office address: Hoy Lodge, Chapel Lane, Winterborne Stickland , Blandford, DT11 0NG
Registration number: OC359109, Registered at Companies house, VAT Registration no:125701735