Linden Farm Allotment opens, aided by the CLA Charitable Trust
Allotment which brings horticulture to those with autism officially opens
An allotment which helps bring horticulture to those with autism has officially opened, aided by the CLA Charitable Trust (CLACT).
About 30 people gathered to celebrate the formal opening of the Linden Farm Allotment in the lovely setting of the Springbok Estate in Alfold, Surrey.
Guests included those who had donated money to the facility, including the Chairman of CLACT Bridget Biddell plus a number of Surrey County Council staff and councillors, various parents, staff from Choice Care and representatives from the local community including Alfold Parish Council.
CLACT, which is funded almost entirely by subscriptions from members of the CLA, gave The Simon Trust £2,100 in 2018. The trust provides equipment, facilities and resources on the farm and its chair Sally Lawrence helped cut the ribbon.
Horticulture is very therapeutic for people with severe autism and it is something that they can do, even if it involves just planting a few seeds or putting a potato in the ground. The sense of achievement to dig up the resulting potatoes and then cook them for their evening meal is enormous. Linden Farm is a new care home for ten young people with severe autism, and it opened in late 2019 thanks to a considerable and welcome investment from Surrey County Council.
CLACT provides grants to charities and community organisations who share its vision to help connect young people who are disabled or disadvantaged with nature and the countryside.
Since its foundation in 1980, the CLA Charitable Trust has given £2million in grants to a wide variety of organisations and projects. If you would like to know more about applying for funding, or to donate, visit https://www.cla.org.uk/about-cla/charitable-trust/