Countryside Ways to Wellbeing and Animal Care
Promote your positive health and wellbeing through animal care and countryside activities. Enjoy hands-on animal care and mindful countryside activities that foster calmness and confidence.
Location, Dates and Times
16 February 2026 to 23 March 2026, Mondays, 10.00am to 3.00pm
Upper Moreton Rural Activities
Upper Moreton Farm
Bishton Lane
Wolseley Bridge
Stafford
ST18 0XD
Aims of Course
The course is designed for residents of Staffordshire who are aged 19 and over, specifically those living in Staffordshire and Staffordshire Moorlands (excluding Stoke-on-Trent). It is intended for individuals who are experiencing or recovering from mental health issues, as well as those with learning difficulties or disabilities, or unemployed individuals. The goal of the course is to support their well-being and independence by fostering connections with animal care and the countryside.
Entry Requirements
No experience needed - just a keen interest in animal care and countryside activities. You will need to attend all sessions, be open to learning new skills, and keep a simple learner journal to help track your progress and support your goals along the way.
Course Content
This course covers nature and mindfulness walks, countryside crafts, and animal care activities such as dog walking and donkey/horse care. Learners will explore animal well-being, develop practical skills, and engage in hands-on experiences with animals in a rural setting. Emphasis is placed on personal growth, well-being, and reflection through a learner journal. Support is provided throughout, ensuring a positive and enriching learning experience.
How you will learn?
The course uses a mix of hands-on activities, group discussions, and practical demonstrations. You will work directly with plants and gardening tools, receive step-by-step guidance, and have opportunities for reflection and feedback. Supportive learning materials and one-on-one assistance will also be available throughout.
Learner support
We offer personalised support to help you succeed. Whether you need extra guidance with tasks, one-on-one assistance, or resources like reading pens or iPads, we are here to help. Our friendly tutors will provide regular feedback, encourage your progress and ensure you feel confident throughout the course. We are dedicated to making learning enjoyable and accessible for everyone.
Course Assessments
You will be assessed through practical tasks and projects, reflecting your learning and progress. Regular feedbacks with your tutor will help you review your skills and understanding. At the end of the course, you will reflect on your achievements and complete a final assessment, showing how you have applied aspect of gardening and animal care techniques. The focus is on your personal growth and confidence building of what you have learned which will support your overall health and wellbeing.
Learning Materials
All materials will be provided, including seeds, gardening tools, wildlife enhancing plants and potted trees. However, if you have your own gardening gloves, boots, or tools you would prefer to use, feel free to bring them along. We will provide you with a notebook so that you can record your findings to enhance your learner journal, as well as any personal notes or ideas related to nature. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and enjoy some teamworking fun!
What can learners progress onto next?
Learners can progress onto the volunteering course or option to return to do further courses for the next academic year 2026-27.
Course fees
There are no course fees.
Who delivers this course?
Tutor name: Carol Carney
Website: www.uppermoretonfarm.co.uk
How to enrol on this course and find out more?
Please contact Carol Carney on the details below:
Email: office@uppermoretonfarm.co.uk
Contact Telephone: 07814 237211