The charity was founded by author Sir Michael Morpurgo and his wife Clare to give children meaningful time in nature—away from screens, noise and city life.
Helping children connect with the outdoors for almost 50 years
Since 1976, Farms for City Children has welcomed young people to its three working heritage farms in Devon, Gloucestershire and Pembrokeshire. Many come from underserved communities. The experience of being farmers for a week leaves a lasting impact well beyond their time on the farm.
A teacher said:
“Children had limited knowledge of their impact on the environment by their actions. This experience has opened their eyes not only to the whole farm-to-fork process but pollution, climate change and animals’ well-being. The sense of community has been fantastic and children who were quite withdrawn before have found that they can take the lead when they have found an activity that they have been adept at completing. Not just a week away from home – a whole new world where new friends can be found, leaders can be created and everyone has a part to play.”
Each visit supports the curriculum while helping develop life skills—confidence, communication, curiosity and collaboration. These are key for future learning, training and employment. And the week-long stays are fun, too.
Nathalie Ewing from Farms for City Children said:
“Since we were founded nearly fifty years ago, over 100,000 children and young people have taken home the benefits of being a farmer for the week! We are incredibly proud to have made a difference to so many young lives and love seeing young people leave us as curious, courageous, compassionate citizens.”
£20,000 from Health Lottery players supports farm visits
A £20,000 grant from The Health Lottery Foundation—funded by players—will support residential visits for over 3,000 children and young people each year. During their stay, they take part in hands-on outdoor sessions, care for animals, and learn to work the land. The programme links closely with themes of health, wellbeing, sustainability and the environment.
The charity provided strong evidence of the impact of its work on young lives, which impressed The Foundation.
A pupil from Flora Gardens Primary in Hammersmith, London, said:
“I am proud of finding the courage to get out of my house and go to Nethercott Farm and it was the right choice. This also improved my resilience; my self-confidence and I am a way better chef!”
Farms for City Children continues to work with over 3,000 young people each year—offering a rare and valuable experience of the natural world.
The support of Health Lottery players is helping that work grow and to date our players have now helped raise over £134 million for vital good causes.
