Come meet our Alternative Learning Team and find out about our Farm

Our History

two horses smiling

Peopleton Brook Farm has been rooted in equestrian traditions for over two decades. Initially, it served as a training ground for show jumping horses, catering to Julian and Shani’s children, Jake and Clarissa.

As time passed, the farm started alpaca farming and became a sanctuary for a diverse array of animals. We’ve fostered a deep-rooted relationship with the RoR – Retraining of Racehorses charity, assisting in the rehoming of retired racehorses. We provide a haven for animals, and the farm has become home to a myriad of animals, including horses, goats, pigs, alpacas, sheep, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, dogs, and cats.

A pivotal moment arrived during one of Peopleton Brook Farm’s open days. After a heartfelt conversation with a prospective young individual and their parent, it became evident that there was a significant gap in the region for alternative provisions tailored to the needs of those with SEND, ASD, and SEMH, especially in a setting as unique as a farm.

This realisation led to the inception of Peopleton Brook Care Farm.  The farm stands as a serene countryside retreat, offering young people a distinctive and encompassing approach to care farming, equestrian care, and land care.

With a commitment to offering genuine value to the community and surrounding areas, Peopleton Brook Care Farm opens for five days a week throughout the year.

Our offerings have expanded, and young people can now immerse themselves in a broader spectrum of activities. Beyond equestrian, care farming, and land care, we provide engaging experiences in small animal care, forestry, gardening, woodworking, and arts and crafts. We’re also proud to offer AQA certificates, along with functional and independent living skills, guided by our specialised staff experienced in working with SEND.

We aim to continually offer a service, ensuring that we provide the best possible alternative environment for young people. And all the while, we maintain the warmth and charm of a family farm in our day-to-day operations

small shetland pony walking

Approved partnerships

Peopleton Brook Care Farm is an Alternative Provider for young people with ASD, SEND, and SEMH. We are proud members of Social Farms & Gardens and have been recognized with the Green Care Quality Mark.

Our care farm offers a structured program encompassing farming, equestrian care, small animal care, forestry, gardening, land management, and various workshops. Nestled within 18 acres of serene countryside, Peopleton Brook showcases the profound impact that nature can have in aiding those with mental health challenges, autism, social and communication difficulties, disabilities, and those seeking emotional support.

To cater to the diverse needs of young people, the farm provides a range of services. We facilitate both individual and group interactions, spanning a day to several years, all while emphasizing healing, mental well-being, and social care. At Peopleton Brook, we create avenues for social interaction, skill enhancement, and purposeful work.

Ethos

Fostering a vibrant, safe, and nurturing space where young people can thrive and realize their aspirations. Care Farming is a tapestry of experiences, friendships, and skill-building, celebrating each step on a young individual’s journey towards their goals.

Our aim is the offer the best possible alternative service with meaningful outcomes. Tailoring activities and experience that deliver a fun environment for young people to succeed.

Hiring staff that want to make a difference. Our Farm is only as good as our staff, we are proud to have a great support network at the farm with staff members who facilitate great experiences for our young people.

Our farm houses a number of rehomed and retired horses and animals. We want a farm that can be there to house animals that might not be able to secure a home elsewhere. Therefore we partner with selected charities to that can support this.

The Team

Shani

Julian

Clarissa

Jake

Caroline

Natasha

Lauren

Jo

Jo

Eve

Ashton

Sara

Laura

Liz

Elodie

Jen

Charities We Support

ROR

The charity promotes the versatility and adaptability of racehorses for other equestrian activities following their retirement from racing. It also protects horse welfare through a nationwide ‘safety net’ that is available to assist any former racehorse considered ‘vulnerable’. In such cases, the charity provides funding for the provision of expert care prior to suitable rehoming.

ROR

Find out more

paws for cause

Paws for a Cause is a charity designed to help the local community gain the therapeutic advantages of socialising with dogs and small animals.Based in Bristol it partners with local community providers to visit people thatwill benefit from its services.This is a new charity established in 2021.

Paws for cause

There are a variety of ways to get a placement at the farms alternative provision, from local authority funding, through to schools looking for alternative provisions for their young peoples. Please feel free to get in contact with us about any placement details you may have.