I've stumble upon a research study about exploring the role of farm animals in providing care at care farms. Care farming is the use of agricultural practices to improve mental and physical health, social skills or education.
Some are based on commercial farms, while others are more like smallholdings. Clients can get involved in as much or as little as the provider deems appropriate, such as feeding and cleaning out livestock, harvesting crops, or running a box scheme.
“The individual comes first and the activities must be tailored around them,” says Dr Bragg. “There is no such thing as a typical care farm, because it’s so varied.”
Benefits of care farming
- Mental and physical health benefits of being outside in nature
- Meaningful activity – being useful, and working on jobs that need doing in a real business environment, rather than just being kept out of trouble
- Rehabilitation into society for some users – no longer isolated
- Development of social skills such as working in a team, independence and personal responsibility
- Family members get a break or get to meet others in their situation and socialise
- Aims to reduce strain on statutory services and the NHS
- Alternative use for farm
More information about the benefits of animals can be found here.
Alpaca Care Farms in United Kingdom
Aren't you curious where can you find alpaca care farms? I have found 3 alpaca care farms in United Kingdom as follows.
1.Thornwood Alpacas & Care Farm
Facebook: @thornwoodalpacas
Instagram: @thornwoodalpacas
Address: Lee Lane Westfield Farm, Oxenhope BD22 9RB England
Contact: +44 7816 495453
Email: thornwoodalpacatrekking@gmail.com
2.Urchucillay Alpacas
Website: https://www.urcuchillay.co.uk/
Address:
Contact: +44 7496 479315
Email: carla@woollymammals.co.uk
3. Lucky Tails Alpacas
Website: https://www.luckytailsalpacafarm.co.uk/care-farm
Address: Dexter Lane, Hurley, Atherstone, CV92JQContact:
Contact: +44 7753 333784
Email: lucky.tails.alpacas@gmail.com
Why not mark you calendar today and plan a family trip to one of the alpaca care farms over the weekend? I'm sure you will get to experience something different in life.
Hope you enjoy learning something new today:) Thank you and have a good day!