Newlands Bishop Farm, Solihull.

Farm is blossoming!

There’s more than plants and trees growing down on Newlands Bishop Farm, there is a bumper crop of confidence, better social skills and the work ethic has soared.

Dan Adams, (left) the farm manager, has seen the place blossom - with the help of his team, a group of young people with learning difficulties. The benefits have been so good that some are now working in the community.

He said: “We want to build stables and offer riding for the disabled, primary schools can come to our Forest School and see what it is like to be on a farm. We also help disadvantaged youngsters.”

Since the Family Care Trust took over the farm from Solihull Social Services, three years ago, it has become a hive of activity. While its free range eggs are a sellout and also its plants, it is their own honey which is a firm favourite with customers. However, the farm's best crop is the confidence and life experience that the young trainees have gained.

The farm is helping young people of all abilities to find their feet and to grow in confidence and ability, but it needs donations and sponsorship if its future is to be secured. The measureable benefits that the farm has bought into people's lives can already be seen.

What we do

Developing a horticultural, woodwork and animal husbandry training centre.

Trained, committed and highly motivated staff encourage independence, self-esteem, confidence and decision-making.

Education training including IT, numeracy and literacy.

Work and social skills development.

Help people to gain the ability and confidence to move into open or sheltered employment.

Encourage participation in the local community,


	Outdoor life brings indoor happiness... The farm has a wide range of activities, including caring for chickens, growing vegetables and building a williow hideaway. Twice a week there are numeracy, literacy and IT skills. So outdoors or inside there's plenty to do. The skills learnt are practical ones that build confidence and abilities.