Two former foster carers have teamed up with an outdoor creative project, offering their farm and farming expertise to help run one of a series of one-day farming and digital media workshops for people; who might otherwise miss the chance to explore a farm; to connect with the landscape, learn about how farmers work with the environment, get hands-on helping the farmer, and understand more about local food and drink production.

Carers and their foster children from Shrewsbury based New Chapters Fostercare (NCF) attended a recent Hill Stories workshop at Carol and Stu Ashley’s farm in Pulverbatch. Learning about the farm, its place in the Shropshire Hills, wildlife and habitats, they were able to capture some of what they saw, and learnt, using photos,  and sound, to create simple digital pieces on iPads, which were subsequently shared on the Hill Stories Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/hillstoriesproject/.

The event; part of a wider initiative of workshops for diverse groups of people including home-educating families, Telford and Wrekin Young Carers, adults with learning disabilities, Telford and Wrekin Autism Hub, the Craven Arms Muslim community, and Shropshire Supports Refugees; was developed in partnership with the Shropshire Hills National Landscape Team, eight farmers from the Shropshire Hills and funded by Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL).

Third generation farmer Stu Ashley, who was a foster carer with NCF for 14 years, said: “As a member of the Upper Onny Farmers Group, we are always looking for ideas to promote farming and with support from Cath Landles at Shropshire Hills National Landscape Team, the workshop came about. It was an excellent day for the 15 carers and children who took part. For some it was learning about rearing sheep and cattle and for others a first-hand introduction to nature, but predominantly how we, as custodians of the countryside, have its best interests at heart. In addition, I felt my years of experience as a foster carer were very useful when interacting with the children. In the end everyone went away with an increased knowledge of how our farm works. The biggest hit of the day though was my sheep dog Ginnie, who endeared herself to everyone and more importantly had a calming effect on some of those attendees anxious about visiting a farm for the first time!”

Sarah Richards of NCF, said: “Foster carers come from all walks of life and the workshop and digital recording of their experiences was very positive for those who attended. Shropshire farmers considering fostering would do well to talk to Stu and Carol who were exemplary carers during their time with us.”   

For more information about NCF visit: www.newchaptersfostercare.co.uk.

Picture (left to right) Sarah Richards, NCF, and Stu Ashley, Cothercott Meadow Farm, Pulverbatch.