A PEMBROKESHIRE farmer is creating a farm where it is not just the livestock who are nurtured and cared for but also young people with disorders and learning difficulties.

Eurig Evans, who farms at Llanychaer near Fishguard, is using his experience and empathy to help those who are tested by daily life.

He aims to establish Gwaun Care Farm, where young people with a variety of difficulties may be helped to overcome their challenges through working the land.

With a bursary from Farming Connect’s Farm Management Exchange programme, Eurig visited Italy to see the work of the San Patrignano Care Farm.

The farm is a leader in rehabilitation for people with a broad range of difficulties, including mental health issues triggered by addictions.

The visit was an inspiration to Eurig, who is about to embark on a course to become a counsellor.

It cemented his belief that a rural skills programme delivered in the environment of a care farm could help people struggling with issues to regain their confidence within society.

“If there is one thing I took away from my visit to San Patrignano, it’s that it is possible to do anything. If you can turn someone living with heroin addiction around, you can do anything,” said Eurig.

Milford Mercury:

The farmer is currently a part-time tutor at Coleg Plas Dwbl in Clynderwen which helps young people develop their communication, social, work and living skills.

The students spend time on his 200-acre farm where he rears 150 dairy heifers and also has a quarrying business producing decorative Pembrokeshire blue slate chippings.

He recently gave up relief milking and bought a flock of 117 Friesland cross ewes, the milk from which goes to a local cheesemaker.

Eurig said: “It is a fantastic way to teach the students where our milk is from, I’ve taken them to see cows being milked but now with the sheep they can experience milking on my farm, and also help rear the lambs.”

Gwaun Care Farm is still in its early stages, but Eurig is determined to help as many people as possible, and also sees the establishment of the care farm as his future legacy.

He has been encouraged in his venture through joining a Farming Connect Agrisgôp group, which he said has been a brilliant support to him.

“I had the idea, but when you share it with seven or eight other people’s opinions too, and it helps you see things in a different light and explore different avenues,” said Eurig.

Farming Connect is a programme run by Menter a Busnes, an independent company now in its 30th year which works to support small enterprises across Wales.