Member Article

Third-sector trio unveils new Eco Farm in Lancashire

A major expansion project to construct the five-acre Rainbow Eco Farm at Thompson House Equestrian Centre in Standish is now complete.

The project, designer by Preston-based architectural and planning consultancy practice, Cassidy + Ashton, created two single-storey educational / care buildings, an agricultural glasshouse, five polytunnels, a farmyard area, parking area and a horse & carriage exercise track.

Located on Pepper Lane, the new facility brings together three established charities, Compassion in Action, My Life Social Enterprise and Sports Driving Unlimited.

Rainbow Eco Farm was founded to meet the needs of local people experiencing difficulty due to personal disadvantages, vulnerability and crisis and will offer a range of specialist activities unrivalled in the UK.

The first phase of the development, Thompson House Equestrian Centre, specialises in helping adults and children with disabilities, mental / behavioural disorders or terminal illnesses enjoy the therapeutic benefits and excitement of equestrian sports driving.

The site also aims to be fully self-sufficient with attendees harvesting fruit and vegetables that will produce food hampers for the local community.

To mark its completion, the centre is hosting a country fair weekend on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, 11am – 4pm, which will include carriage driving, a funfair, face painting, welly throwing, scarecrow making, dog agility displays, country craft stalls and much more.

Caroline Tomlinson, founder of My Life Social Enterprise and lead organiser of the country fair weekend, said: “We are extremely pleased with the united vision that we’ve created at Rainbow Eco Farm.

“Working together in partnership means that each charity can provide a united approach to improving care facilities within the region.

“Having a son with a range of complex disabilities means I’ve witnessed first-hand the need within the borough to help local people, regardless of their label.”

Iain Scales, director at Cassidy + Ashton, added: “We are delighted to have been involved in such a worthy project and hope it will assist the charities in continuing their excellent work within the borough.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .