A smallholding near Liskeard is set to become a ‘Care Farm’ for vulnerable adults.

At Gratton Wood Farm, small groups of people will be able to experience the countryside, care for animals and learn about the environment and farming practices.

Behind the project is Rachael Lyes, who has worked in the care and nursing sector for 10 years, and her husband Alan.

Both Rachael and Alan are professional Shared Lives carers – meaning they share their home and their family life with the two young men they care for.

Now the couple want to share their peaceful smallholding between Herodsfoot and Dobwalls with others who might benefit.

‘Care Farming is the therapeutic use of farming practices,’ said Rachael. ‘On two days a week, we’ll provide day activities for vulnerable adults, for instance those with learning difficulties or people on the autistic spectrum. It’s about connecting people with the countryside.’

Rachael says she also intends to invite craftspeople and artists to give workshops – and will tailor the activities at the farm to the interests of those attending.

On a third day, Rachael wants to open the care farm to provide social activities for isolated elderly people living locally.

The couple have owned their land at Gratton Wood for several years and have used the smallholding to promote rare breeds.

The Lyes will be running Gratton Wood Care Farm as a community interest company (CIC) and they hope to be ready to open at the start of July.