This autumn, we were delighted to welcome a group from Diverse UK for five fortnightly Nature and Farming sessions here at The Community Farm (TCF) and what a great experience it was for all!
Diverse UK is an independent charity run by and for autistic people across Bristol and the surrounding areas. Their mission is to create safe, supportive spaces where neurodivergent people can connect and thrive—and we were thrilled to be part of that.
The sessions were led by Art from Diverse UK, with support from Mhairi, our Community Farmer. Together, Diverse and TCF designed a gentle introduction to volunteering at The Farm, blending practical tasks with opportunities to explore personal connections to the land.
Over the weeks, enthusiastic participants took part in a range of seasonal activities, including harvesting squash and apples, mulching gardens, polytunnels and apple trees, sorting shallots, and preparing garlic for planting. Alongside this, we included nature-based mindfulness and heritage craft activities, balancing hands-on work with reflective time outdoors.
It was really special to be able to try new activities in a safe, welcoming space. I never felt judged and I could just be me.
Each session ended with participants taking home a bag of surplus seasonal produce—often leeks, squash, kale, and apples. It was a joy to hear what everyone had been cooking between sessions, from creamy squash and leek bakes to classic apple crumbles.
I can’t believe I got to do this course for free. It has massively improved my mood and quality of life. I hope lots of other people get the opportunity to do it.
These sessions were made possible thanks to funding from FiPL (Farming in Protected Landscapes).
We were so moved by all the participants feedback that we have listed all the quotes below!
What Participants Told Us:
- “The opportunity to connect with other neurodivergent people, volunteers, nature and the land.”
- “Meeting a group of peers and connecting with everyone. Sessions were an anchor in a period of much change and uncertainty in my life. I felt inspired to spend more time in nature.”
- “I loved the yurt, the facilities, helping with farming tasks, and learning more about growing.”
- “It was really special to be able to try new activities in a safe, welcoming space. I never felt judged and I could just be me.”
- “Art and Mhairi facilitated the sessions in such a kind and compassionate way, I never felt any pressure to mask.”
- “I can’t believe I got to do this course for free. It has massively improved my mood and quality of life. I hope lots of other people get the opportunity to do it.”
- “The best group I’ve been to.”
