Youth Project at Fordhall

Using agricultural and conservation activities, we help to develop participants' skills, confidence and self-esteem.

We assist each young person to find their own direction in life, and offer support in their career progression through the provision of AQA certification.

We build transferable skills through activities such as: conservation work, surveying, greenwood working, farm maintenance, growing, cooking, fencing and occasional livestock husbandry.

Working with no more than two students per leader, we help these young people to develop their abilities and prepare them for life after GCSEs.

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Our stages of delivery

Immerse and Engage - Stage 1, 11-14 years, SEMH and early intervention (Monday and Wednesday weekly):
We have learnt that our work must start at an individual level working on a 1:2 ratio youth worker to young people. We ensure our day is person-centred and child-led.
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·       Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) approach - immersion in nature, moments of joy and focus on wellbeing with nature walks, woodland play, bush craft and river dipping – all whilst facilitating and developing positive risk-taking, decision-making, taking responsibility, inclusivity and emotional resilience.
·       Foundational practical skills are developed at their own speed, with AQA certificates in woodwork, tool use, upcycling of recycled materials, cooking and bush craft to name a few.
·       Cooking an organic lunch forms part of every session allowing them to plan, budget, prepare and eat as an inclusive group. Using the Food Mood Board to make decisions collectively each morning.

Skill and Growth - Stage 2, 14-17 years, deepen impact with progression pathway (Thursdays):
Working 2:1 with our conservation team, independence is gained and expectations raised. Young people start to appreciate the value of nature and the working farm. By this point they have an interest in making a positive impact and so the daily routine is more task focussed – all of which they guide and influence depending on their interests and own creative input.
·       Belonging to a community, resilience and taking responsibility remains a key focus.
·       Skills development and nature/environment-based AQAs. Examples include tree planting, greenwood work on the shave horse, team building, constructing birdboxes, water management, and biodiversity surveying.
·  Active contribution in tasks in the farm-wide. Conservation Management Plan and community aims integrated into our approach.

Nurture - Stage 3, 18-24 years and adults, skills refinement (Thursday and Fridays):
Working with NEETs and offering Countryside Worker Level 2 Apprenticeships. Empowerment, agency and the chance to shape the future are key.
·       Develop leadership skills, or option of an apprenticeship.
·       Individuals take an active role in nature conservation and improving the site for public access.
·       Tasks for skill development includes pond redevelopment, creating dead hedges, putting up gates/fences, hedge laying, and coppicing.
·       Wildlife and soil surveying techniques are learnt.
·       AQAs continue to be offered. Employment skills and confidence are a focus.
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Throughout every stage we will empower young people and adults to understand the importance of nature, and encourage agency and self-belief.

How to apply

If you have students who can benefit from this service then please use the contact info below.
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Funded by

If you are interested in supporting our work with young people via a donation or sponsorship, please do get in touch with our team using the details below.
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