A place to have fun, to live, to learn and to achieve your potential...
We think our Farm is a pretty inspiring place. It's certainly a visitor attraction with a difference, as it's also a life skills training project for individuals with a learning disability.
COT Residents and students are involved in all aspects of the Farm, including caring for our animals, growing plants in our Rare Breeds Plants & Produce, working in our Catering dept and helping to welcome our visitors.
We also run a number of other Life Skills projects, including arts and crafts at 'Art at the Farm' (also onsite at the Rare Breeds Centre), IT training at The Academy, woodland conservation at our nature reserve 'Poulton Wood' and more...
Our training projects are all run as social enterprises, and we sell our produce to raise funds to support our work. All involve the wider community, which we believe helps to break down barriers and foster a greater understanding of disability.
Hear from some of the people we work with
Graeme
"I call myself 'the pig man' because I know so much about them! I've worked on the farm for 20 years. I like being outdoors. I looked after the farm's first ever pigs Poppy and Porcha - Lord Runcie gave them to us. I've done my level 2 and level 3 accredited training in agriculture, and my level 3 in horticulture. I enjoy showing the animals, and I won reserve champion at the South of England Show once with one of the pigs. I live in Jasmine Cottage. I love living on the farm because of the people, the warmth and I get on with everyone. When I go out, I sometimes enjoy a pint in the local pub."
Emma
"Before I go on the farm I have a cup of tea in the mess hut with everyone. I put my boots on and go to see Luna, and clean her pen. I talk to visitors when I do 'meet the animals'. I hold the guinea pigs and the rabbits and sometimes the snake! I like the horses best. My favourite is Bandit, he's old and walks slowly, and he’s well behaved. I have lots of pictures of him on my phone. I go riding on a Thursday and do lots of trotting and cantering. I live in Rye, and I like to go into town with my friend Rachel who lives with me. I like to go on my computer and I have lots of friends on Facebook. I watch TV and really like Eastenders."
Find out more about our fundraising events and how you can get involved here.