RESIDENTS at a Dorset care home took a walk on the wild side recently when they visited a nearby farm.

The party, from Colten Care’s Fernhill home in Longham, near Bournemouth, enjoyed a minibus trip to nearby High Mead Farm.

High Mead is a four-acre community therapy farm, offering a supported work environment for people who live with mental health issues, physical disabilities, addiction or dementia.

Staff and volunteers provide day services and a range of therapeutic activities including arts, crafts and the opportunity to work with animals, soil and nature, as well as selling its own seasonal vegetables, honey and eggs.

Four Fernhill residents – Joan Vohra, Gwen Jellis, Elizabeth Wilson and Patrick Ryan – went on the visit, accompanied by Companionship Team members Ann Marie Knight and Miezy Reynolds.

Fernhill resident Joan Vohra holding a tortoise with High Mead staff member Faye Bessant

They cuddled rabbits, held a tortoise, saw Shetland ponies, fed goats and pigs with apples, enjoyed a cream tea and picnic and took part in a pottery class.

Ann Marie said: “We had a lot of fun in the pottery session making objects with the clay. The staff and volunteers were so kind and helpful.

“Some of our residents have farming experience and so a trip such as this is an ideal chance to rekindle memories.

“Others simply enjoy the gift of animal companionship, especially if they had pets when they were younger.

“It was a real delight to see the smiles on the faces of the residents as they were introduced to the animals and took part in the other activities. We look forward to visiting again soon.”

Fernhill resident Gwen Jellis and High Mead helper Emily Horne with Shetland pony

The Fernhill party enjoy a cream tea at High Mead Farm

Fernhill resident Joan Vohra is all smiles at High Mead Farm in Longham, Dorset, after feeding the goats with apples

Fernhill residents Elizabeth Wilson, left, and Gwen Jellis chat in the pottery class on their visit to High Mead Farm