Lisa’s Story

I first started at the farm when I was in secondary school, I really struggled with school and never wanted to go in because of how anxious I was, but then the school offered me to go to the farm every Wednesday in return for attending school.

At first I was very nervous about this and the first few weeks of attending the farm I was very anxious and wouldn’t really talk to anyone, but the animals made me feel so calm, for example when I went to the farm and I was having a bad day I would go over to Alice the pony or Star and Misty the friendliest steers, my personal favourites!! All other worries would disappear when I was there, I would feel relaxed even if I were busy out in the fields or helping look after the animals. I would instantly feel so much better, within a few weeks of being there and the amazing staff I came out of my shell completely and my confidence just kept growing.

I really developed a love for farming, I was only meant to stay at the farm for 6 weeks, but I ended up staying for almost 5 years and still have not left! Julie always tells you how you are always a part of the future roots family even after you leave, she welcomes you back with open arms and I can assure you this is definitely true! I even had my surprise 16th birthday at the farm which Julie very kindly let my family organise and it was the most memorable birthday I have had. What made it even better is it was at one of my favourite places and I could show my family all the animals I would come home and talk about, I was in my element.

With help from the farm I decided to go to Kingston Maurward college to study Level 2 Agriculture, I was so nervous going into this- but knowing I could still go to the farm made it so much easier! Before going to the farm, I would have never deemed this possible, I never thought I would voluntarily continue with education, but they gave me the support and advice I needed. With my course you had to have one day of work experience at a farm a week, so of course I chose Rylands Farm as mine- it was really good experience as well as being my happy place. The farm are so good with helping with any work I was struggling with, whether that was with my GCSE work or my college course later on they were always willing to help me out and would fill me with confidence when I didn’t necessarily feel it.

Over the time I have been going to Rylands Farm I have changed so much, when I first started I wasn’t filled with a lot motivation, I didn’t feel like I would amount to much as I was finding it so difficult in school at the time. However, over the years I have completely turned over a new leaf they have instilled confidence and the love of animals in me, they supported me in things I never knew I could do. I honestly do not think I would have made it through school without them, they gave me a release and somewhere I could go and feel calm somewhere to feel completely feel like myself. You could not meet a better group of people than those that work on the farm I am forever grateful for what they have given me.

I am now currently working as an Apprentice Dairy Farmer and Calf Rearer in a nearby farm whilst also still attending college once a week at Kingston Maurward. I am really enjoying working there and loving the independence I am being given and the opportunity to gain the experience in what I would love to continue doing. Without all previous help, especially from Julie and college I don’t think I would of found what I truly love to do and feel so calm in a job I love doing.