Social farming open morning

LESLEY and Stephen Jones are hosting an open morning on their Aughrim farm today to highlight social farming.

Farmers and support services are invited to come see a social farm in operation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Social Farming provides people who use services with the opportunity for inclusion, to increase self-esteem and to improve health and well-being by taking part in day to day farm activities on a family farm.

Lesley started her placements in 2019 with the support of Social Farming Ireland’s Regional development officer Andrew Chilton.

The Jones’s farm lies nestled at the foothills of the Brown Mountain in Aughrim. It comprises of mature woodland and meadow pastureland set in an area of great natural beauty with access to commonage on the hill behind. A river borders the woodland and there are two natural springs on the land which are a natural water source.

The farm offers a tranquil green space for animal lovers to partner with nature. The picturesque natural environment of secluded oak woodland, contrasting with wild mountain creates an ambiance of tranquillity and peace. The river walk and woodland trail provides a haven to wildlife and the colours, ever changing with the seasons, are a delight to the senses.

The farm offers equine activities, sheep activities, has a polytunnel and a thriving garden and care of the small animals and foul provide an everyday routine with hens pigs and goats.

Lesley has worked alongside organisations such as HEALS (Horse Energy Alleviates Living Scars) and The Irish Horse Welfare Trust in developing educational and therapeutic programmes. Other organisations that the Jones’s have been delighted to work with include Barnardos, Offaly Traveller Movement, Tiglin Service and Sunbeam House Services Wicklow.

Anyone interested in attending the open morning today should email socialfarming@ ldco.ie or phone Maryanne on 071 9641772 or Andrew on 086 144 8796.