Fordhall Organic Farm (pictured) has secured charity funding to continue its supportive, free-to-access ‘Renew and Restore’ sessions, for those with a cancer diagnosis. The aim is to provide a space where attendees can connect with nature, along with others going through similar experiences, outside of a clinical setting.
Attendees have been able to get involved with an array of activities, from pollinator surveying, autumnal foraging and healthy cooking, to nature photography, bushcraft and nature journaling.
Shropshire cancer charity Lingen Davies is providing the funding for the fortnightly sessions for a further 12 months. The community-owned farm, the Fordhall Community Land Initiative in Market Drayton, ran the first session of the year on 14 February – with a ‘welcome to the farm’, and gentle nature walk along picturesque trails, where the group immersed themselves with nature, shared a light lunch, and shared ideas on what the future sessions should include.
Charlotte Hollins, Fordhall Community Land Initiative general manager, said: “We are delighted, and endlessly grateful, that Lingen Davies have chosen to renew our funding for a second year. We saw the positive impact these sessions had upon those who attended, allowing them to unwind in an environment outside of a clinical setting, while learning something new and connecting with others who understand the journey they are on.
“We are excited to get going with the new programme of sessions. We already have spring foraging walks, tree planting, yoga and cooking on our agenda. The rest of our delivery will be shaped by the individuals attending, our sessions will be very much guided by them. All updates to the programme will be posted on our website and social media; so, if you or someone you know may benefit from this project, do keep checking back.”
Naomi Atkin, CEO of Lingen Davies, said the charity was pleased to continue supporting this important community initiative to support those living with and beyond cancer.
“We’re dedicated to making a positive difference to those impacted by cancer throughout Shropshire and Mid Wales, and that extends beyond anytime spent undergoing medical treatment. In 2024 we invested up to £1,000,000 in services and projects to benefit our community and we’re delighted at the response from our patients to projects such as this.
“Fordhall Farm is such a beautiful place to be able to offer people living with a cancer diagnosis the space, time and support to recuperate and adapt. We hope that as many people as possible take full advantage of these sessions and I look forward to meeting some of them soon.”
- For more information and to register for sessions, please visit: www.fordhallfarm.com/restoreandrenew
