CYP Now - Future Roots: The farm that helps young people grow

Future Roots gives children who struggle to cope in school the chance to learn and develop through farming.
Founder Julie Plumley explains how countryside activities help transform young lives.

Future Roots works to create a feeling of safety and belonging for young people, providing them with unique opportunities to gain skills and qualifications on the farm. Picture: Future Roots

The 25 years I spent as a social worker convinced me that if you could provide a safe, positive learning environment for young people, particularly those experiencing high levels of adversity, then you could really make a difference to someone’s life.

Growing up on a Dorset farm I had first-hand experience of the unique environment farming provides and 13 years ago I resolved to give young people at risk some of the same opportunities.

My husband and I bought Rylands Farm, 30 acres of farmland in the beautiful hamlet of Holnest, just outside Sherborne in Dorset and it was here Future Roots was born. We work with disadvantaged young people aged eight to 18 and aim to provide a safe place where they can learn, achieve and feel valued.

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