Self Help Ventures - The Rare Breeds Centre

South of England Rare Breeds Centre

The Rare Breeds Centre is one of the commercial operations started by Canterbury Oast Trust.

The Centre offers an unbeatable day out for all the family. We offer school visits which are safe, fun, educational and exciting.

For more details visit www.rarebreeds.org.uk

We have a wide variety of rare and endangered animals at the centre, ranging from Longhorn cattle to Bagot Goats

At the Centre we run training programmes for people with learning difficulties. One of our main aims is to provide programmes that suit all our residents' needs, and their individual capabilities.

During a six week assessment period, trainees are taught and participate in the day to day running of a working farm, relecting the following issues:

• Access
• Health and Safety
• Levels of support
• Aims and objectives
• Programme plans
• Choice of activity
• Risk assessment

Many of our trainees look after a specific area around the farm, thus giving a sense of responsibility. The areas they look after change during the year. All our trainees are taught about good and safe animal husbandry.

They will be taught how to:

• Feed and water animals correctly
• Clean and maintain pens ready for public viewing
• Show animals to the public during "meet the animals" sessions
• Parade animals at our own show
• Groom animals
• Learn about the different breeds
• Recognise a healthy animal
• Give public information about the animals their care
• Participate in all the different activities throughout the year
• And most of all enjoy their time at the farm

For an informal discussion about Farm Placements - please call Kelly Alford on: 01233 861 493 Extn 231.