Askefield Project in Friskney launches new project for youngsters to build Toylander Land Rover as part of mission to tackle loneliness and raise aspirations
Owners of a smallholding dedicated to helping people overcome mental health issues, develop confidence and raise their aspirations have launched a new scheme for older children.
The Askefield Project, in Friskney, has received funding from LVET for a ten-week programme for youngsters aged 11 to 18-year-olds, where they will work together to build a Toylander Land Rover.
Askefield project manager Hannah Blevins says the kit is a working replica model of the iconic 4x4 vehicle and when complete will be one-third of its size.
Once complete the mini-Land Rover will be raffled off, with the proceeds used to buy a second kit for the youngsters to work on.
“The group started building on January 16, and the first session was mostly spent unpacking the kit and preparing for the build,” Hannah said.
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“Once it’s finished Duckworth Land Rover, in Kirton, has very kindly offered to take it into its workshop and spray it in the original colour of the first Series I Land Rover, Huey, which was made in 1948.
“It’s really exciting and all came about after we realised we do lots of things for adults and younger children but didn’t really have any projects aimed at older children and teenagers.”
The Askefield Project was created after Hannah, her husband Chris and their three sons Peter (23), Joel (21), and Noah (19) and her mother Liz, relocated to Friskney from Market Harborough in 2006, in order to spend more time together as a family.
They bought a 13-and-a-half-acre plot of land, despite having no experience of farming and livestock, and turned the venture into a care farm in 2017, after watching a TV program about them.
The site initially provided green therapy and treatment programs to help vulnerable people but was forced to switch its focus following the pandemic when it lost its NHS funding.
Today, Hannah describes The Askefield Project as a social farm, dedicated to tackling isolation and loneliness issues, many of which have come about as a result of the pandemic.
Its day to day running is funded by the National Lottery, while other grant funding supports its varied program.
Askefield is home to a number of animals, including a flock of pedigree Kerry Hill Sheep, seven goats, a donkey, a pony, ducks, geese, chicken, guinea pigs and a farm cat, all of whom play a vital role in the experience of visitors.
“We run a number of different projects each week, from Toolshed to Challenge Askefield, our crafty coffee morning and Family Farm Club on a Saturday where youngsters can help look after our all the animals including our guinea pigs,” said Hannah.
“We run a Care Farm Day on a Wednesday for clients on personal budgets with mental health issues, which revolves around the animals, from feeding in the morning to cleaning out houses, working with the sheep and goats, taking care of Boris the donkey and Rory the pony, building shelters and general animal husbandry.
“During April we’re also lambing, and that’s a busy time for us as a lot of people come down to the farm, it’s something a little bit different, as they can actually go in with the animals.”
Hannah says farm visitors range in age from toddlers up to those in their 80s, who all come to spend time in a safe space, where no one is judged.
“People come to us from all walks of life, they all have their own different reasons – but no-one is judged here.
“Many of them get a real sense of achievement through our projects and sessions. Building something like a hen house or looking after the animals makes a real difference to them.
“Individuals who regularly come are making huge strides - they’re meeting new people and really thriving on working in a team. There’s a real sense of community about the place, which is wonderful to see.”
*To find out more about The Askefield Project and its programmes visit askefield.co.uk
