We’re delighted that Middlesbrough Food Partnership has featured our Larchfield Community in their latest newsletter!
The newsletter article highlights how our connection to nature is central to everything we do, from growing fresh, organic vegetables to crafting homemade apple juice, composting food waste from our cafe and homes and collecting farm-fresh eggs.
This is Green Care in action—a holistic approach that connects people to the land and supports well-being through meaningful, nature-based activities. At Larchfield, the people we support, and our dedicated staff work together to encourage sustainable practices, create homegrown produce, and celebrate the natural world.
Green Care helps build confidence, develop new skills, and create a sense of belonging, making a real difference in daily lives while strengthening our relationship with the environment.
Hear from our Larchfield community
Get an insight from Amy, our Craft Support Officer in our Larchfield community and hear about the good work that’s being done in our nature-based arts and crafts workshops…
What does a typical day in the Green Care programme look like at Larchfield?
A typical day in the nature-based arts and crafts programme at Larchfield involves working on a wide array of crafts with the people we support. For example, this morning I supported people to price their finished work ready to put out in the shop. The people we support add a personalised “made by” tag with their name on and then put the items out into the shop.
Are there any recent initiatives or projects you’re particularly proud of?
We have been working in conjunction with a local environmental charity, Climate Action Middlesbrough and making some sustainable art that will be in a local art show in 2025. All the art is made using materials that can be recycled or composted and the theme of this is habitats.
How do the people we support participate in sustainable activities?
In Nature Based Arts and Crafts we use as many natural materials as possible, including Larchfield wool spun from fleeces from our own flock of sheep, natural materials foraged on site like moss, pinecones and fallen branches from the land. We also use
Larchfield blooms grown around site by the animal care and husbandry team, growing and horticulture and the nature-based arts and crafts team. We use these flowers once harvested and dried in the workshop in crafts such as wreaths, bouquets and other crafts.
What skills or personal growth have you noticed in those taking part?
We see the progression of people’s skills and confidence developing continuously. Each person is supported to complete their Green Care journals, which can be a great way for those people to reflect on the work they have completed, what they have learnt and what they have enjoyed.
Can you share a memorable story or experience from working in the community?
One of my favourite sessions last year was when we foraged on site for materials to make nature crowns on the summer Solstice June 2024. It was a great way to spend time in nature and enjoy the beautiful landscape at Larchfield.
Thank you, Amy, for sharing!
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- Amy
We’re so proud of the impact our community is making every day. See the Larchfield community in action!
