Care farm seeks support to cover funding gap

A care farm that offers an alternative learning environment to children is calling for help to cope with rising costs.

Future Roots near Sherborne, Dorset, said a sharp rise in most running costs along with a hike in the price of animal feed had left it up to £60,000 short.

The not-for-profit farm, that costs about £500,000 to run each year, is funded through grants and donations. Set up 20 years ago, it offers weekly sessions to 130 children aged eight to 18 with a range of challenges.

Founder Julie Plumley said: "Like everybody we plan for the future but we couldn't plan for all the increases. Lots of times we have struggled but we hadn't expected all the additional costs this year."

The 30-acre farm is home to a herd of 20 cows along with sheep, ponies, goats, chickens and offers farm-based education alongside academic qualifications.

Plumley said the farm's session were already full for this year.

She explained unexpected spiralling costs included the basic snacks, drinks and equipment for students along with the hay and straw for the animals where prices had recently doubled to £70 per bale.

She said: "When you are adding it up it is incredible amounts of money... But we will never give up. We are going nowhere.. but would appreciate any support to help us get through the year."

The farm said it hoped to meet the shortfall through donations along with fundraising events and equipment contributions including wheelbarrows and wet-weather gear.