In a move that harks back to Britain's agricultural heritage, a unique care farm in West Sussex is preparing to reintroduce working ponies to its land. The initiative marks a significant shift from modern machinery, aiming to support both the environment and vulnerable adults.
Reviving History for a Modern Cause
The Diagrama Foundation is behind this pioneering project at its 100-acre Duckyls Farm, located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in West Sussex. The organisation provides crucial day opportunities and residential care for adults with learning disabilities, physical and sensory impairments, acquired brain injury, and/or autism.
Keri Strugnell, Care Farm and Community Manager, explained the rationale. "Introducing working ponies is a small part of the ambitious plans we have for our 100-acre site," she said. The ponies will play a key role in managing the site's ancient woodland, where specific trees have been identified for removal to ensure safety for all participants.
From Historical Workhorse to Therapeutic Partner
This initiative contrasts sharply with historical trends. While records show thousands of equines were used on British farms from as early as the 11th century, particularly during the 1800s for tasks like ploughing and transport, their numbers in traditional farming have since dwindled dramatically.
At Duckyls Farm, the ponies will join a thriving animal-assisted therapy programme. "The adults who use our services welcome the interaction with the alpacas, horses, goats, chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs that we share the farm with," Keri Strugnell noted, confirming the ponies will have an excellent home.
The farm has already begun investigating suitable breeders and hopes to acquire the ponies soon.
A Hub for Skills, Nature, and Accessibility
The farm's daily programme is extensive, focusing on empowerment and skill-building. Activities include:
- Land-management and growing fruit and vegetables.
- Caring for all farm animals.
- Constructing animal shelters and creating woodcraft items from reclaimed materials, such as planters and bird boxes.
- Arts, crafts, and cooking sessions using home-grown produce.
A recent project saw participants plant over 100 hedging saplings to replace a hazardous old fence, starting a long-term move towards natural, wildlife-friendly barriers.
Since taking over the privately accessible site 18 months ago, the Diagrama Foundation has bold plans. "We have ambitions of making the whole Duckyls Farm site accessible for people with learning and physical disabilities, so it becomes a nature hub for the disabled community," Strugnell stated.
Future projects are wide-ranging and include:
- Purchasing an all-terrain wheelchair for full site access.
- Adding raised beds in two polytunnels and upgrading barn areas to include a classroom and animal care space.
- Cultivating flowers and opening a public vending option for cut flowers, vegetables, and woodcrafts.
Breeders who can assist with providing working ponies are encouraged to contact Keri Strugnell via email at keri.strugnell@diagrama.org.uk. More information on Diagrama Community Services is available at www.diagramacommunity.org.uk.
