Countryways CIC Celebrates Ten Years!
Countryways CIC is proud to celebrate a decade providing support to hundreds of individuals through connecting with nature, farming and the outdoors. We’ve delivered over 480 special sessions annually, providing tailored programmes for people with learning difficulties, mental and or physical health challenges. ‘Farm Helpers’ engage in activities including animal care, horticulture, maintaining hedgerows and a range of woodwork projects which impact their personal development and create a real sense of purpose and belonging. “It feels good that I’m trusted to use tools. Coming here I have progressed with my confidence and believe I can do things.” Says Declan, one of our Farm Helpers.
What’s special about Countryways is we’re based at a real, working farm with livestock and arable farming under the careful stewardship of farmer David Knight. Road Farm provides a unique, heritage backdrop for us to operate, led by Wendy & Duncan Gray, with an invaluable and growing team of dedicated staff and volunteers. We offer people of all ages and backgrounds, especially those who face some level of challenge in their lives, the experience of working with animals, learning Countryways skills, physically connecting with the countryside and engaging in outdoor activities to improve wellbeing.
“Seeing people gain confidence, new skills and building friendships through coming here is very special” says Co-Founder Wendy Gray. “We couldn’t have this impact without a brilliant team of committed, talented and caring people, and we’re so grateful for crucial funding support from charitable organisations and kind individuals”.
At the heart of Countryways’ ethos is community engagement. We’ve established strong partnerships with local schools, healthcare providers, local charities, clubs and societies (including Wendover and Halton Scout Groups and Wendover Dementia) with at least 50 larger group visits a year. Open Farm Sunday welcomed over 700 visitors from a wide area, and workshops have covered specialist skills such as woodwork, tree pruning and farm to fork cookery. Additionally, almost every fortnight on a Monday afternoon, a wonderful social group of retired farmers and countryside-loving gentlemen meet for discussion and activity at the Countrymen’s Club.
School pupil groups love to visit for real outdoor learning, covering a whole host of topics from the national curriculum, always including biodiversity, climate and food. Most of these visits are free under Countryside Stewardship arrangements and is “An amazing experience!”
Looking ahead, exciting plans
There is much demand for vulnerable people to access a safe space where they can feel valued, capable and make a meaningful contribution. To support this need, Countryways has developed a plan, but the small team admits that fundamental to delivery and growth is finding funding sources from grants and donors to support staff to deliver sustainably into the future, without exhaustion. Could you help with this?
Newest staff member Emily McCann highlights an exciting development: “Thanks to help from the Chilterns Conservation Board, we’re creating new and more-accessible goat housing. Caring for an animal has so many benefits – reducing stress and anxiety, providing a sense of purpose and responsibility and great learning opportunities. Best of all, the goats are so friendly and affectionate they really enjoy the care and attention…it’s a win-win!”
Put an Open Farm Sunday visit, 8 June 2025 in your new diary, but do please help before then!
Calling Community Help!
Countryways CIC is reaching out to the local community as part of its quest for sustainability and growth.
Volunteer! Whether you have a passion for people, nature or a desire to help others working outdoors, volunteering with Countryways offers a rewarding experience.
Donate! Donate and you can directly enable Countryways to provide more opportunities that support vulnerable people and promotes wellbeing.
Corporate Sponsor! Choose Countryways CIC as your employer’s partner and your company can play a vital role in making a measurable social impact. Visit us to find out more.
Please note a version of this article is published in Wendover News Bumper Issue Dec24/Jan25