£36,000 donation for Mid Wales respite farm
A respite farm has been given a £36,000 donation to pay for new outdoor activities for people with disabilities and their families.
Cilthriew Kerry Farm, near Newtown in Mid Wales, will use the money provided by the Monsanto Fund to build a raised maze bed vegetable garden, buy an all-terrain vehicle to enable people to reach all areas of the 10-acre farm, and create a fruit tunnel and orchard.
It is part of a project by officials at Papworth Trust, a disability charity which runs the farm, to teach disabled people and their families skills such as ploughing, making hay and straw and woodland management.
The maze will be a place where people with autism can go to have their own safe space, while the fruit tunnel and orchard will be used by people growing and picking fruit such as strawberries and grapes. Families will also be taught how to make healthy recipes using the produce, including smoothies, chutneys and cordials.
The funds will also be used to grow a living foraging hedge with natural wild fruit, so that farm staff can teach hedge management and foraging skills.
The farm, which was officially opened by Papworth Trust's patron HRH The Duchess of Gloucester earlier this year, provides free respite holidays for disabled people and their families who desperately need a short break.
Geoff Hall, Monsanto UK managing director, said: "We are delighted to be able to contribute to the essential work that Papworth Trust does in our community. This Monsanto fund donation will play a small but important part in the Kerry Farm holiday centre in Wales providing improved access to the farm and an insight into the production of fruit and vegetables."
Annette Angell, Papworth Trust fundraising manager, said: "Thank you to the Monsanto Fund for their kind donation.
"At Cilthriew Kerry Farm, we help disabled people and their families to enjoy great moments together, and this donation will really make a difference. We will be able to buy new equipment and create new facilities to help people make the most out of their stay and learn new things."
