Community farm finds ‘new direction’

A Northumberland community farm has secured its future after financial struggles.

Humbles Wood Farm, in Prudhoe, originally a rundown pig farm, was transformed by founder Clare Welsh and her partner Clive Johnson into a petting farm offering therapeutic animal experiences, especially for people facing physical, mental or emotional challenges. 

Clare and Clive opened the farm in 2018, but after years of running the not-for-profit largely on passion, Clare faced closure due to financial pressures.

Yet with the support from business adviser Judith Falla through the Business with Purpose Service, lifelong animal lover Clare registered the farm as a Community Interest Company (CIC), opening new funding opportunities and creating a sustainable business model.

Clare said: “The farm has never been about money – it’s a labour of love. 

“I opened it with a simple dream to share my animals with those who otherwise don’t get a chance to benefit from them. 

“But I hadn’t realised how expensive it would be to make the farm safe for visitors – especially with rising costs of feed and vets bills.

“Judith has been a gift to me,” Clare added. 

“She’s taken the time to understand how I like to work and what really matters to me and she’s helped me make decisions that stay true to this.

“She knows how tightly I like to keep hold of my business – because it’s my baby at the end of the day! 

“But she helped me see how a few changes could generate the income we need, without losing the heart of what we do.” 

The farm now offers experiences such as goat cuddling, alpaca walks and pony grooming to generate revenue, enabling weekend visits to remain free for the public. 

A new sensory garden, funded by a £1500 grant from Northumberland County Council, also provides a private space for nature-based events and will be available for families and organisations to hire for parties and picnics. 

Clare added: “As a CIC, we’re dedicated to improving mental health and emotional wellbeing through animal interaction. 

“We’ve had visitors reconnect with childhood memories, people with mobility issues grooming ponies, and children with autism finding peace here. 

“It’s absolute magic.”

Humbles Wood Farm also delivers animal-assisted therapy and outreach visits supporting children with special educational needs and adults facing isolation or trauma. 

Clare plans to expand the team and increase outreach, with a focus on offering more free or subsidised sessions to those who need them most.

She added: “I’ve always been good with animals and our visitors. 

“I love rolling up my sleeves and getting stuck in but I wasn’t so confident with commercial stuff.

“But Judith has given me a new direction. 

“She’s inspired so many new ideas, helped me to find a whole new customer base and introduced me to new people who want to be part of what we do.

“Life is completely different than it was a year ago and I’m so excited about the future.”

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