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)
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Kevin inspecting tractor tyre with Philip at
Rede Hall Farm
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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
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Sam coppicing hazel trees at Nowton Park
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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. |
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A variety of training opportunities are available at Rede Hall Farm, Rede. On the field, there are regular opportunities in land cultivation and growing vegetables and fruit. Wildlife walks provide added variety. Around the farm, MFT team members engage with the Suffolk Punches and enjoy the occasional heavy horse training day. Of course, no farming experience is complete without some farm maintenance especially repairing or replacing fencing. In the large workshop, MFT members have varied opportunities in making raised beds, bird boxes, planters and items to special order. Meanwhile, at Old Hall, looking after Jersey and Red poll cattle or feeding the Large Black pigs, harvesting potatoes or apples, coppicing, erecting electric fencing are some of the tasks available. The more competent team members also enjoy driving the tractor and trailer. At Longwood Farm we learn about farm maintenance and the needs of the cattle, sheep and free range chickens and turkeys.
During the late autumn and winter MFT typically undertakes conservation tasks and will often do contract work. The continual objective is to give the team varied and interesting opportunities throughout the year to enhance existing skills and provide new learning opportunities. One off workshops (e.g. specific woodwork projects, felt making, model making etc) are held. Once or twice a year combined rambles with Bury Rambling Club are organised. Our aim is to acquire a two seater tractor so opportunities for tractor driving are available to all participants and those without previous experience can learn on site. |
Miriam feeding the hens at Old Hall, E.Bergholt.
This is one of M.F.T.'s host farms.
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