Cae Rhug Holistic Farm
Nature-based Intervention Centre
We use nature to create positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities, ill health, or those who face isolation, disadvantage or vulnerability.
About Us
Cae Rhug Holistic Farm is an organically-managed, not-for-profit Social Enterprise. Adhering to the permaculture principles of Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share, we deliver nature-based interventions that create positive change through immersion in high quality nature space. Using therapeutic environmental conservation, social and therapeutic horticulture, care farm activities and rural crafts, our programmes are delivered by professionally-qualified practitioners to meet the defined needs of the people we support.
Discover our nature-based programmes and how they support the wellbeing of those most in need.
We work with a combination of statutory and third sector organisations to reach those needing support.
Meet our professionally qualified practitioners and dedicated support volunteers.
Get in touch if you would like to know more or discuss how Cae Rhug Holistic Farm can support you or your group.
Our programmes support mental health and wellbeing…
“The prevalence of mental ill-health is on the rise in the UK with an estimated one in four people experiencing a ‘significant’ mental health problem in any one year” https://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/4513819616346112
Nature-based Interventions (NBI’s) are valuable in supporting mental health and our programmes are built around the 4 key components identified as necessary to achieve positive outcomes for the people we support: connecting with nature; engaging in meaningful activity; a healthy social environment; and a practitioner that can provide support and aid engagement.
Access to Nature
Research has repeatedly revealed that access to nature is beneficial in improving mental health, with some studies showing that higher quality nature spaces, with greater biodiversity are even more beneficial. Cae Rhug Farm is managed organically by professional conservationists. The 12 acres of land forms a rich tapestry of meadows, woodlands, orchards, and pasture, as well as horticultural growing spaces. The land is species-rich and managed to increase biodiversity whilst still providing access for people to recognise their part in the natural world.
Meaningful Activity
Carrying out a meaningful task or activity is identified as being a key component of nature-based interventions. People benefit from feeling actively engaged with their environment, and such meaningful activity brings with it a sense of well being.
Our programmes involve many options to engage in meaningful activity, whether carrying out conservation tasks, helping in the garden or getting creative with wood carving. The varied options in our programmes provide opportunities for everyone to get involved and even shape the future of the farm for others.
Social Environment
Social interaction is a key element of everything we do here and our programmes allow people to make connections with others in a safe, supportive environment. Our spaces offer the opportunity to bring people together who may benefit from meeting others who are facing similar challenges, and the friendships and connections made during our sessions add a different level of support. Many of those we work with continue to come to the farm as volunteers using their lived-experience to help shape future programmes.
Professional Support
A good relationship with a trained practitioner, who can support both the social and environmental interactions as well as the activities to be engaged with, is also an extremely important aspect of NBI programmes. Here at Cae Rhug out team comprises of highly-qualified and trained professionals with a broad range of skills, as well as caring and compassionate personalities. Each of them is passionate about supporting the mental health of the people they support, whilst bringing about new opportunities to engage with the natural world and people within it.
Our work with young people
The Welsh government acknowledges the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) on individuals and has made connections to the increased likelihood of those having experienced ACES facing disadvantage later in life. Our work with young people supports these findings and many of the groups we work with are supporting young people with high levels of anxiety, ptsd, addiction issues, or experiencing homelessness. We work with all ages to help support people experiencing disadvantage, however we feel that the younger people are when they access our services, the greater impact we can have towards reducing the impact of ACES throughout their lives.
Our programmes are widely used by pupil referral units, youth progression teams, young offenders, young people experiencing homelessness and substance misuse.
Our latest news
Filming the farm and its story
We are delighted to have the rather fabulous Robert Thompson, AFS Media, joining us at Cae Rhug throughout 2024. Rob has worked a little with us in the past, he is an amazing photographer and...
Welcoming Geraint to the Team!
Many of you will already know Geraint from our community volunteer sessions but he has also been a regular volunteer during our youth programmes for the past 12 months. Jane Bellis was working as...
Fantastic Funding news!
We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded funding through the National Lottery Community Fund to help support people's mental health through our new Social and Therapeutic Horticulture...
Nature-based Intervention Centre
Using nature to create positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities, ill health, or those who face isolation, disadvantage or vulnerability.
07934 720210
Cae Rhug Farm, Cae Rhug lane, Gwernaffield, Mold, CH75DY