Millennium Farm Trust (MFT)
| The Millennium Farm Trust was founded in the Autumn 1996. With the aim of providing adults with learning disabilities work and training opportunities in farming, conservation and rural skills within Suffolk. Initially this would take place on host farms with the ultimate aim of acquiring our own farm. |
Alex checking the Red Poll cattle at Old Hall,
East Bergholt.(a 70 acre mixed farm in south east
Suffolk)
|
Kevin inspecting tractor tyre with Philip at
Rede Hall Farm
|
The initiative for the Trust was generated largely by an enthusiastic group of people with learning disabilities. The focus of M.F.T. was to provide continuing farming and rural skills experiences post college provision. Since farming operations started in the year 2000, many adults with learning disabilities have benefited from M.F.T.'s activities. |
The Charity Objective:To advance the education of those members of the public who have learning difficulties and/or learning disabilities by giving opportunities for training, work experience, and work or employment in agriculture, horticulture and related subjects and in the principles of good citizenship, so that such persons can develop their physical, mental and spiritual capacities and grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society in the county of Suffolk and surrounding areas. |
Alan with pea plants for the vegetable bed at
Rede Hall Farm
|
Sam coppicing hazel trees at Nowton Park
|
MFT Workshop In October 2004 M.F.T. took on the tenancy of the newly refurbished workshop and 2 acres of land at Rede Hall Farm, near Bury St. Edmunds. Large workbenches have been constructed, woodwork projects undertaken and tool and machinery maintenance achieved. The land has been cultivated and manured .Potatoes, onions, celeriac and a variety of vegetables and soft fruit are grown. |
| Tractor driving, ploughing and cultivating are some examples of machinery work that takes place both at Rede Hall Farm and Old Hall. At Old Hall feeding and milking the cows, hoof trimming, pig and poultry rearing, in addition to farm maintenance, are typical tasks done by the MFT team. Coppicing, wetland regeneration, tree planting and wildflower planting have been experienced by the farmworkers working with the St. Edmundsbury public conservation group. Future plans include increasing the number of workdays, providing opportunities for additional farmworkers, developing rural skills workshops and undertaking some contract work. |
Miriam feeding the hens at Old Hall, E.Bergholt.
This is one of M.F.T.'s host farms.
|