Following the positive impact of last year’s programme, Fordhall Organic Farm are celebrating after securing funding to continue their supportive and free-to-access ‘Renew and Restore’ sessions, for those with a cancer diagnosis.

The main aim of these sessions is to provide a space where attendees can connect with nature with others going through similar experiences outside of a clinical setting.

Attendees have been able to get involved with an array of activities, from pollinator surveying, autumnal foraging and healthy cooking, to nature photography, bushcraft and nature journalling. One attendee said that “It’s fantastic to learn something new and feel ‘normal’ when the rest of life is so chaotic and stressful”, while another added “Having started back to work the last couple of weeks, it was good to unwind with people who understand what’s going on for you.”

Lingen Davies has approved funding to continue these fortnightly Friday sessions for a further 12 months. Launched in 1979, Lingen Davies is a cancer charity which aims to bring cancer services closer to the people of Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid-Wales.

Due to their generous decision to renew the funding, the community-owned farm, the Fordhall Community Land Initiative in Market Drayton, ran their first session of 2025 on 14 February – with a ‘welcome to the farm’, and gentle nature walk along their picturesque trails, where the group immersed themselves with nature, shared a light lunch, and shared ideas on what the future sessions should include.

For more information and to register for sessions, please visit: fordhallfarm.com