We are a Community Interest Company (CIC), which means we are a not-for-profit organisation looking to serve our local community. We are based on a Woad Farm, which is a commercial farm in Hanslope, Milton Keynes, by kind permission of Nigel and Sarah Stacey.

The Woad Farm Project was born by our co-founders who, after our years of fostering young people in Milton Keynes and repeatedly hearing the phrase “they don’t meet the threshold,” found ourselves asking: why isn’t there more out there for these kids who need help now? After speaking with professionals, we realised there was a clear and pressing lack of preventative, relational support for children and young people in the area – and we felt compelled to do something.

While our initial plan was to have a particular focus on looked-after and care-experienced children, it soon became apparent that there was a much broader need throughout our community. Our mission is to make the healing power of animals, nature, and the outdoors accessible to all children – especially those who might otherwise fall through the gaps.

Back in April 2022 we spoke to Nigel and Sarah at Woad Farm about accessing some of their farm to set up the project. They kindly agreed and The Woad Farm Project was born. We started crowdfunding and writing to local businesses for support, and with around £3,000 raised we got to work, volunteering every spare hour we had to get the area ready to host people! Then came the fun part – finding animals!

We started small, offering a few sessions over the school holidays and on the occasional day within the week – but word quickly spread. The demand was immediate and overwhelming. Before long, we were opening multiple days a week just to meet the level of need. Soon after opening, we met Nicky – a key ally, who joined our Board of Directors – and began running regular sessions on a Monday and Friday, during school holidays, and on Saturdays. We wanted to make sure we grew organically, so we could ensure our sustainability. Together, we set a goal: by the end of Year 3, we would be open three days a week, with a staff member in place to support the work.

Fast forward to today – Year 4 – and we now have five dedicated staff, running sessions 6 days a week, a thriving volunteer base, 4 supportive Directors, and over 1,000 children and young people have accessed the farm.

This is more than a project. It’s a community. A safe space. A place to grow, heal, and belong.