Our Nature-based
Programmes
At Cae Rhug we specialise in nature-based interventions, recognising the enormous potential that nature provides in improving our health and wellbeing.
With staff trained in conservation, education, permaculture, green woodwork and horticultural therapy, our programmes can be used to improve emotional wellbeing; support physical, social and emotional development; to build confidence and self-esteem; and increase employability skills.
Using the farm’s natural and built environments our range of Vocational, Therapeutic and Wellbeing programmes usually run over several weeks but can be combined and adapted to run over weekends or single days to suit your group’s needs. Below is a selection of our most popular programme activities. These can be booked as individual programmes but are also key components of our main ‘Natural Pathways’ Programme.
Youth Workshops for
Wellbeing
Within the natural habitats and horticultural spaces at Cae Rhug is the potential for anyone of any age to find peace and connection. Our Youth workshops are ideal for schools, referral units and groups working with young people facing barriers to accessing education or facing difficult transitions in their lives. The programme is tailored around the individual needs of the participants, with a broad range of activities on offer that aim to identify and build on the strengths of those taking part, whilst increasing confidence and social cohesion.
Woodwork for
Wellbeing
Making things from wood can be wonderfully therapeutic. Our workshop space is welcoming and practical, and the ideal space to explore creativity and gain new skills. We provide access to a range of pole-lathes and shave-horses, an array of chisels, gouges and other tools and combine it with gentle guidance from experienced tutors. As with all our programmes there is a strong focus on wellbeing and the pace and activities are set by those who are taking part.
Social and Therapeutic
Horticulture
Getting outdoors in nature is always a great way to boost mood, and working with plants is proven to have a positive effect on our mental health whilst also having physical health benefits. Our qualified STH practitioner can work with your group to support both emotional and physical outcomes, with programmes that can be tailored to suit individual clients, developed alongside medical professionals to achieve set outcomes; or more simply, may just consist of improving one’s sense of wellbeing whilst enjoying working in the gardens and glasshouses at Cae Rhug.
Therapeutic
Conservation
Our Therapeutic Conservation programmes incorporate a choice of Social and Therapeutic Conservation activities that focus on the wellbeing of participants and also that of the wildlife at Cae Rhug. The farm’s rich tapestry of habitats provide a range of seasonal conservation activities, hedge-laying, tree-planting, meadow management, and even habitat creation. Run by professionally qualified conservation staff, these sessions provide an opportunity to learn new skills, improve social connections and increase both mental and physical health.
Art and Craft
Programmes and Workshops
Creativity usually crosses over into all our programmes, but can be a particular focus concentrating on using art and craft to improve mental health and wellbeing. Our creative activities use natural materials, many of which are sustainably grown here on the farm. Although professional artists can be made available to support or teach specific projects, these sessions mostly encourage participants to explore techniques rather than focusing on physical outputs, and allow for mindful engagement and flow time to come to the fore.
Animal-Assisted
Programmes
The farm’s animals are a popular presence for anyone wishing to spend time with them during any of our sessions. However, the therapeutic value of their presence can be utilised further in our Animal-Assisted programmes whether visiting the farm’s ducks and hens, gathering eggs and helping with feeding and watering them, or spending time with Djoerd and Solstice the farm’s horses, grooming, stroking and helping to take care of them. We also have wonderful, gentle honey bees and a range of bee suits that enable those who wish to be up close with them can do so in confidence.
Natural Pathways
Our Natural Pathways Programme is unique to Cae Rhug, and encompasses components of all the above opportunities into one, person-centred programme. This is completely guided by those taking part offering the freedom to set their own desired outcomes and choose their own ‘pathway’ to achieve these. This programme allows for full flexibility and draws on the skills of our experienced team who will work with participants to ensure that their chosen activities whether conservation, craft, horticulture, woodwork or animal based, are rewarding and fulfilling and are also allowing for the progression of skills. Their guidance will ensure that individuals are scaffolded towards positive outcomes that focus on their strengths and allow for personal development that feeds their emotional wellbeing and confidence.
If you would like to know more about our programmes or chat to us about how we can support you or someone you work with please get in touch.
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