The Daisy Chain farm is a popular attraction for autistic people and their families, and is home to a variety of animals. Services on offer include 1-2-1 animal therapy sessions and after school and holiday clubs. We also run a sponsor an animal scheme to help raise funds to care for the animals.
Animals are a great tool to encourage interaction and stimulation for autistic children, many of whom can struggle to develop relationships, even with members of their own families. Children who visit the farm can hold the animals, get involved in feeding and grooming them, as well as making sure their pens and living environments are kept tidy. This is a unique learning opportunity for our children through what is often their first time interacting with animals.
In 2015, the farm area was re-developed, thanks to funding of almost £50,000 from ITV’s People’s Millions. The funding allowed us to build a number of new areas in the farm, such as stables, a pig sty, a reptile room and aviary/outside enclosures, and to re-develop our fish pond area and small animal room. We also welcomed a number of new animals, including our alpacas and a wider variety of reptiles and amphibians.
You can choose to sponsor one of our animals to help to meet the all year round demands on animal care services – visit our Sponsor an Animal page for more information.