A FARM near Malmesbury which offers children, young people and adults with specific needs the opportunity to learn through nature conservation has received a grant to help them continue their vital work.

The team at Lakeside Care Farm, near Oaksey, provide vital therapy through farming for children and adults with special needs.

Wiltshire Community Foundation's grant of £4,917 will be used to purchase equipment and materials to further enhance the care farm.

This includes new raised beds, fencing, path surfacing material, fruit trees, bee-keeping suits for children and horticultural equipment.

There will also be money towards housing the farm’s two resident Kune Kune pigs Nico and Puku in a new piggery.

Dean Sherwin, manager of Lakeside Care Farm, explained what this means to the staff and pupils.

“The funding will enable us to expand the opportunities for the children, young people and adults who attend our care farm.

"It will ensure that we are more accessible and will allow our students to access and gain a greater range and depth of experiences, skills and qualifications.

"We are also so excited about the piggery - Nico and Puku have been enjoying the glorious summer weather but will need to be kept cosy over the winter.

"The piggery will be built by one of our wonderful volunteers with students lending a helping hand.

"The students gain so much from feeding, checking and grooming the pigs and the funding will enable them to do it throughout the year.”

Further details about the farm can be found here bit.ly/2OKCnct