🌱 What Teesdale Rural Roots Is

Teesdale Rural Roots is a social enterprise based at Bowlees Farm in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We provide inclusive, nature‑based education and hands‑on rural experiences for children, young people, and community groups. Our work is rooted in connection — to land, to animals, to each other — creating a safe, nurturing environment where people can grow confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging.

🌄 Why It Was Created

Teesdale Rural Roots was created to protect and expand the vital work previously delivered through Bowlees Education Farm. As demand grew — especially from vulnerable, disadvantaged, and disabled children — it became clear that a dedicated social enterprise was needed to secure long‑term sustainability, attract funding, and deepen our community impact.

But the need goes beyond children.

We saw growing demand from the wider community — including adults facing mental health challenges, isolation, or barriers to accessing nature. Rural Roots was created to meet that need, offering inclusive, therapeutic, and hands‑on experiences that reconnect people with land, animals, and each other.

Rural Roots exists to:

• Remove barriers to outdoor learning

• Support early intervention for young people facing challenges

• Strengthen community connections

• Celebrate and protect Teesdale’s rural heritage

• Provide a stable, inclusive space for those who need it most

• Offer nature‑based support for adults with mental health needs

• Create welcoming opportunities for community members of all ages

It is the natural next step in ensuring this work continues — and grows — for years to come.

🐑 What Sessions We Offer

We deliver a wide range of hands‑on, nature‑based and farm‑based sessions, including:

For Children & Young People

• Inclusive farm education sessions

• Animal care and welfare

• Nature connection and wellbeing activities

• Rural skills and practical outdoor learning

• Tailored 1:1 or small‑group support

• Early intervention sessions for young people at risk of offending

For Schools & Groups

• Curriculum‑linked outdoor learning

• Environmental education

• Conservation and habitat sessions

• Seasonal farm experiences

For the Community

• Family activity days

• Volunteering opportunities

• Partnerships with local organisations, including conservation groups and the local gamekeeper

All sessions are designed to be accessible, nurturing, and grounded in real rural life.

🌾 How It Builds on Bowlees Education Farm

Teesdale Rural Roots continues everything that made Bowlees Education Farm special — the animals, the land, the hands‑on learning, the inclusive ethos — while strengthening it with:

• A more sustainable organisational structure

• Wider community partnerships

• A clearer focus on supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged young people

• The ability to apply for grants and long‑term funding

• Expanded programming and outreach

In short: Rural Roots is the evolution of Bowlees Education Farm, not a replacement. It honours the past while building a stronger future.

📬 Contact Details

Teesdale Rural Roots CIC Bowlees Farm, Middleton‑in‑Teesdale North Pennines AONB

Email: teesdaleruralroots@outlook.com‍ ‍Phone: 07769221769