Young Somerset is creating a pioneering new farm near Wincanton where young people will be able to build confidence, develop practical skills and improve their future prospects through nature, sustainable food growing and hands-on learning.
The Young Somerset Farm is being made possible by a generous donation of land from The Newt in Somerset, supporting the charity’s ambitious plans to reach and help more young people across the county.
The farm will give young people opportunities to develop new skills, support their wellbeing and explore potential future pathways through growing, food, nature and enterprise. Young people themselves will also play an active role in shaping the farm as it develops, supported by Young Somerset staff, the farm team, volunteers and local partners.
Nik Harwood, Chief Executive of Young Somerset, said, “This is an incredibly significant and generous donation from The Newt, which will help Young Somerset realise an exciting and ambitious vision and create a genuinely different opportunity for young people across Somerset.
“We know that young people learn and thrive in different ways and, for some, practical activity, being outdoors and seeing the tangible results of what they have achieved can be incredibly powerful. The farm will provide an inclusive environment where young people can connect with nature, develop practical skills and discover new strengths and possibilities.
“We will quite literally be growing food, but our real ambition is to help young people grow too – in confidence, skills, wellbeing and their sense of what might be possible for their future. We are enormously grateful to The Newt for gifting the land and enabling us to reach and support many more young people for years to come.”
Andrew Foulkes, CEO of Hospitality at The Newt in Somerset, said, “We are delighted to gift this land to Young Somerset and support the creation of a place that will provide meaningful opportunities for young people. Growing, nature and working with the land can have a powerful impact on confidence, wellbeing and practical skills. We look forward to seeing Young Somerset’s vision for the Farm take shape and the difference it will make.”
Preparations for the Young Somerset Farm are now underway, with activity at the site expected to begin in early 2027. The first full growing and activity season is planned to start in March 2027.
Young Somerset, which was founded in 1997 as Somerset Rural Youth Project, is the county’s largest youth and community support charity. Its work includes alternative education, mental health and wellbeing support, supported internships and work-based learning, as well as youth work delivered in healthcare, education and community settings.
Further details about the farm, its activities and future opportunities will be announced by Young Somerset as the project develops.
