What is a Care Farm?
The care farming industry is well established, respected and researched in Europe, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands. But it's still a fairly new concept in Canada and is a growing industry.
Canadians have begun to appreciate the healing power of the great outdoors and are returning to nature-based venues for recreation, to escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, and for overall enjoyment.
Across Canada, care farms do tend to be fragmented as they can be solely community gardens, petting zoos, or farms open to the public; however, it's rare that all of these activities can be found in one location, like at Fiddlehead Care Farm.
What care farms can do for you and your community
Through the therapeutic use of farming practices, care farms can provide health, social and educational care services for vulnerable groups of people. This includes people dealing with mental health problems, mild to moderate depression, substance abuse, learning disabilities, autism and ADHD, and more.
Care farms also…
Combine care of the land and animals with care of people, in a setting where they feel safe, respected and engaged in meaningful activity.
Use farmland, woodlands and gardens as a base for promoting mental and physical health through normal farming activity.
Create a partnership between members and healthcare and social care agencies that develop people's potential, rather than focusing on their limitations.
How spending time with animals and nature can help
There is a well-established and growing body of evidence that shows that spending time hands-on with plants and animals can make a noticeable difference to your well-being. Some of those benefits include:
Increased self-esteem
Improved social interaction
Enhanced confidence
Developing awareness of well-being
Working individually and as part of a team
Preventing deterioration in many conditions
Seeking paid employment or voluntary work
It confirms that time spent with other people in a natural environment where you can learn and grow will only do you good.
Care farm videos
If you’re interested in additional info, here are a few videos we recommend about the importance of nature and care farming.
“NaturePlay - Take Childhood Back” Teaser with Richard Louv
For more information, visit http://www.natureplayfilm.com/
The Country Side of Care – Documentary Trailer from Sanne Hijlkema on Vimeo
This beautiful documentary directed by Sanne Hijlkema is the story of several farmers in Montana who are pioneering the Care Farming business in the USA. Get a look at the successes and challenges of providing work and life skills experiences to people with a variety of abilities. For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/carefarmdocumentary/
Care Farming // 60 Second Docs
In just 68 seconds, get an introduction to a care farm in Los Angeles, California, called Kindred Spirits Care Farm. Learn how this care farm is helping vulnerable, at-risk students to succeed.