We provide a unique learning environment for children and young people to experience all the benefits of nature, cultivating social and emotional skills and building confidence.
Solidarity Farm is located on an organic farm on the edge of the Northumberland national park. It has a pedigree herd of Luing cattle and a flock of sheep, creating an environment where those who may struggle with more formal approaches to education can experience community and belonging.
We recognise that a mainstream school setting is not suitable for every child. Some learn better with their hands having practical experience rather than qualifications and grades. We support the children and young people who visit the farm to learn through doing which helps them develop life skills.
Young people can only learn and develop when they feel safe. At Solidarity farm we use strengths based and trauma informed approaches to disrupt, re-engage and stretch boundaries.
We help young people to believe in themselves and realise their intrinsic worth. Every child and young person have skills and values, and our aim is to bring them out of themselves to thrive and reach their potential.
John Harrison
… started his career in farming, but left to explore new opportunities and ways of believing and thinking which ultimately led him to working in international development across Africa and then leading a homelessness charity.
He holds an MA in International Development, an MBA from Newcastle University and has recently completed level 3 forest school training.
He is passionate about helping children and young people change their narrative and become whoever they want to be through learning more about themselves and letting go of the limiting beliefs they and others have about them.
John wants to learn from and accompany young people who struggle with mainstream education to discover new possibilities and overcome thresholds so that they can reach their full potential for the benefit of the wider community and most importantly themselves.
The Farm
Solidarity farm is located on a 200-acre organic farm on the edge of the Northumberland National Park near Rothbury.
Home to a pedigree herd of Luing cattle and a flock of sheep, it is also a home to a very broad range of wildlife, and we are constantly looking at ways to improve habitats and create mutual benefits for nature that calls our project site home.
We have developed several unique spaces on the farm to engage and inspire including a multi-functional education space, compost toilet, outdoor classroom, forest school area and most recently a yurt.
Our Funders
We are immensely grateful to the many organisations and individuals that fund our work and could not have got this far without our supporters who have accompanied us on the journey.
