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Care farming (sometimes called ‘Green care in agriculture’, ‘farming for health’ or ‘social farming’) is defined as the use of farms and agricultural landscapes as a base for promoting mental and physical health.
Meaningful farming activities are used to provide mental and physical health benefits for a wide range of people including those with defined medical or social needs (e.g. psychiatric patients, those suffering from mild to moderate depression, people with learning disabilities, people with a history of drug abuse, disaffected youth or elderly people) as well as those suffering from the effects of work-related stress or ill-health arising from obesity. |
Care farming is a partnership between farmers, health care providers and participants, and so combines the care of people with the care of the land.
Care farming is good for rural communities and economies as it enhances the viability of farms, broadens farm business and increases the services derived from the countryside. Farmers receive a deep sense of satisfaction through helping people improve their lives through farming - and having guests of the farm also addresses issues of rural isolation. Care farming places a high value on the knowledge and skills of farmers and seeks to help rural communities become more socially , economically and environmentally sustainable.
The University of Essex is a partner in the National Care Farming Initiative and is involved in the EU COST Action 866 on Green care in Agriculture. We have undertaken research to ascertain the range and number of care farming initiatives currently operating in the UK, and their effects on psychological health and well-being.
Care Farming in the UK: Evidence and Opportunities -
Executive Summary
Care Farming in the UK: Evidence and Opportunities -
Full Report (pdf)
National Care Farming Initiative (UK)
For more information please contact Rachel Hine
rehine@essex.ac.uk
