Working and learning with nature for a better life

About us

Living Potential is based on a working farm, near Wetherby, Leeds. We are a community interest company, set up to be a non-profit social enterprise. It is run by Tanya and a team of staff who have many years of experience, teaching and working in a variety of environments and who have seen first-hand the therapeutic effects of nature-based interventions.

Groups and individuals from a range of backgrounds become members of our farm team who are an integral part of the decision making process, including the AGM. Existing team members usually attend between one and three days a week.

People who might benefit from a supportive environment are invited to attend a taster session and get to know the opportunities available at the farm. New skills, social interaction, confidence building, qualifications and work experience can be designed around the needs of the group or individual.

You can learn how to care for the animals, including guinea pigs, rabbits, hens, pigs and alpacas. You can also have an active role in maintaining our allotments, nursery gardens and surroundings. There’s the additional opportunity for fishing, woodland walks and alpaca walks, as well as a programme of workshops, indoors as well as out.

There is wheelchair access to some parts of the farm including the art room, training rooms, kitchen and barn (where the rabbits and guinea pigs are kept and many of our workshops take place) and some parts of the allotments and fields, but there are many areas that are uneven and often – muddy! We are working to improve this so all of our team can be included in all aspects of our work.

If a specific group booking would prefer staying within the accessible areas, then we can make sure that it is an option and that the activities on offer will suit everyone’s needs.

We do not routinely offer personal care on the farm so if that is something you require then please speak to us regarding whether you will need to bring support.

Professional Referral

Criteria for completing a Professional Referral:

Living Potential Care Farm placements in our Community Gardens are suitable for people with a variety of needs and backgrounds such as mental health problems, brain injuries, autistic spectrum disorders or dementia

People can be referred to us if they are:

1. - 18 years or older
2. - Able to get around the farm safely without hurting themselves
3. - Able to work alongside other people or work towards this
4. - Keen to work outdoors

A referral is not appropriate for people:

1. - With severe mobility problems
2. - Not keen to work outdoors
3. - Who are not allowed to work alongside vulnerable people/young people because of past behaviour/offences committed
4. - Who do not have access to funding
5. - Whose challenging behaviour would pose a risk in a farm environment or to other people even with 1:1 support

If you have a formal Mental Health Diagnosis and meet the criteria above, we will ask a professional to complete our referral form. Our form can be downloaded by clicking the button below. Once complete, please email the form to tanya@livingpotentialcarefarming.org.uk or post it to FAO Tanya Bish, Living Potential, Carlston Hill Farm, Paddock House Lane, Sicklinghall. LS22 4BN.

We're proud to announce that we have been awarded nearly £200,000 for our two-year project. "From roots to shoots and bricks to candlesticks - showcasing heritage learning experiences within a Victorian walled garden setting." It is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Find out more here.