Kentish Express Ashford & District
Farm shop’s plea to keep helping
A farm shop has applied for planning permission so it can continue to provide education for disadvantaged and disabled youngsters.
The Muddy Wellies Farm is run by the Brogdale Community Interest Company (CIC) off Hythe Road in Smeeth.
Each day various groups of youngsters learn about farming and horticulture as well as getting hands-on experience that they wouldn’t necessarily get in the classroom.
Brogdale CIC managing director Rebecca O’Neill says the application for the change of use at the farm shop will allow groups to continue benefiting from the experience. She said: “It is still a farm shop, but it is also used for the purpose of enriching the lives of those who are disadvantaged and disabled, children and adults as well. It includes planting seeds, harvesting, gardening, and learning about the environment in the outdoors as well.
“We have groups from schools such as Wyvern, Towers, Homewood and the North School who come here and can learn qualifications such as horticulture at level one and two, as well as boost their selfesteem.
“The environment is peaceful, but gives them the challenge of doing something they have never done before.”
She said youngsters also get the chance to gain work experience with the CIC, which runs the Food with Friends cafe at the Gateway library in Church Road in the town centre.
It allows the youngsters to see how food is grown, harvested and then made into something tasty.
To find out more about the company and the project visit www.brogdalecic.co.uk