THE first yield of fruit and vegetables are coming through at an Exbourne farm which gives young adults with learning disabilities the chance to develop their life skills. Easterbrook Farm near Exbourne is a residential scheme which allows those with learning disabilities to live and work in a tranquil rural environment. The pioneering residential project was set up last year on the 70 acre farm. Easterbrook is a working farm and all service users are given a high degree of responsibility and ownership over the day-to-day routine of running the farm. The two initial service users at the farm are about to be joined by a further four moving in this month, and two more future placements are also arranged. Project leader Simon Rooke said: ?We want to make sure the guys who are living here are eating as healthily as they can, using the stuff they have grown themselves.? The polytunnels at the farm were constructed by one of the first people to move to the farm David, with help from farm activities manager Steve Short. The tunnel is used to grow tomatoes, lettuces, cabbages, garlic, peppers and much more besides. Allotments are also being created where the residents will be able to grow more of their own produce. David, one of the first users of the scheme, said: ?I like living here. In the morning I work in the garden, it?s very tiring. In the afternoon, I go back in the house and do cooking.? Simon said it was very rewarding for a resident like David to be able to produce a healthy meal with food he had grown himself. Not all the food grown at the farm ends up on the dinner table however. The farm recently completed its first order from The Vegetable Garden in Red Lion Yard, Okehampton, which recently bought two dozen tomato plants and a batch of lettuces. Simon said next year, Easterbrook would be looking to increase its opportunities to sell its produce to consumers in Okehampton and the surrounding area. Simon said the programme at Easterbrook was based on the users own aspirations, so for those who were not so keen on gardening, there will be the chance to look after the farm?s animals. At present, the farm has just one animal ?Hazel the rabbit ? but Simon said they will find a partner for her, as well as introducing other animals, including guinea pigs, and perhaps, chickens, whose eggs the farm might be able to sell. David, who originally comes from Hertfordshire, lives in his own bedroom in the 16th century farm house at Easterbrook and as well as working on the farm, attends college where he is studying horticulture Simon said the ethos of the farm was to ?provide the highest quality of care while allowing people to develop life skills?. Simon added: ?Next year, we will be growing more and selling more, but this scheme is not about money. The most important part is making sure the guys get a lot out of life.? He said the remote rural nature of the farm meant the residents could have their own space and ?a bit of peace and tranquility?. Simon said this was the first year the scheme had been running and their were big expansion plans for the future. He said he hoped the farm would be able to make use of its orchard, create a 5-a-side football and ball games field and offer farm trail walks to the local community. The farm will also promote arts and crafts ?it is hoped to host a craft fair in September 2007. Residents David and Danny have already been building bird boxes/tables and bat boxes and a stable block at the farm will be converted into an arts and crafts centre. l The organisaton is open for placements for physically able adults aged 20-30 with a learning disability. Parents or carers who would like to find out more about what the scheme can offer, can contact Simon Rooke on 01837 851674 or by email at [email protected]">[email protected]
