Ouseburn Farm Charity Ltd

06/02/2025

We were very sad to lose Bruce, our lovely Bearded Dragon recently, after a short illness. We also learned whilst Bruce was at the vets that he was actually a she! ⁠
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Bruce was a real character at the farm. She enjoyed being bathed by Emma, our Small Animals Worker, our Placements and children in the school holidays. She was also an excellent poser for photos and the odd drawing session, where her likeness was captured for ever more. Scroll through to see some lovely claw prints that the vets took for us to keep. 🐾⁠
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Do you have any memories of Bruce you would like to share?

03/02/2025

We want to say a huge thank you to National Lottery Awards for All for their generous funding of our PALS (Personal and Life Skills) programme for adults with learning disabilities, until 2026.

This is a rolling 6 week programme which serves as a confidence-building course for adults with learning disabilities who need extra support to transition into our main Placement Programme, or for those who are totally new to the farm.

This term so far we have been focusing on healthy seasonal ingredients and encouraging social skills by making and then eating a meal together as a group, and mindful painting for wellbeing. We've also been learning about animal care, bathing Doris the tortoise, and walking our goats to their paddock.

PALS is a free course free and helps to:

● Introduce those with additional needs to the farm
● Build relationships and social interaction
● Experience personal achievement and build resilience and confidence
● Understand and develop physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing
● Participate in a wide range of activities which promote a healthy lifestyle
● To take part in physical activity and healthy cooking
● To learn basic numeracy and literacy skills
● Learn about where to find help and resources to inform choices
● To feel a sense of independence and purpose
● To provide an opportunity to participate in community activities
● To have the same access to resources in the community as everyone else
● To be included in society and the communities in which they live

If you know anyone who might like to join our next block after half term, please get in touch with [email protected].

31/01/2025

This is your last chance to win a group VIP experience at the farm, which includes:
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🕢️ Early access to the farm before it opens on a weekend⁠
🥕 Feed the animals their breakfast⁠
🧑🏻‍🌾 Help get the animals out to the field⁠
☕️Coffee / hot chocolate and cake in the café⁠

To be in with a chance of winning this special prize, please fill out our community survey which should only take 5-10 minutes of your time.

The winner will be announced via Instagram & Facebook Stories on Tuesday 4th February and via email directly.
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You can find the link to the survey in our bio. Thank you! ⁠🐽

29/01/2025

Happy Lunar New Year from our resident snakes Percy the Python, Cornelius the Corn Snake and Ken the Kingsnake!

Those born in the Year of the Snake are traditionally seen as charismatic, intelligent and artistic, but also cunning, mysterious and obstinate. 🐍

We wish all of our visitors who celebrate a prosperous and healthy new year. 🐉

23/01/2025

Did you know that we have a beautiful events space for hire, perfect for your upcoming special occasion? With loads of natural light, a view of the green trees of Ouseburn valley, and a soundtrack of quacks, oinks and moos, what could be better!

We have recently hosted:

🎈Birthday parties for both kids and adults
🙏🏽Yoga workshops and wellness events
🖼️Art exhibitions
📊Business team away days
🎻Folk music
🎭️Theatre shows
👩🏼‍🏫Lectures and special talks
🖌️Art and craft workshops

Starting from as little as £32 per hour, there are chairs and tables for up to 50 and use of a big-screen TV for projection. For an additional cost we can also add on an animal activity, such as Farmers' Club or Put the Farm Animals to Bed, depending on staff availability.

Catering, including hot drinks, refreshments, lunches, brunches and afternoon tea is available on request from Cafe Beam.

To find out more, email [email protected] or visit: https://www.ouseburnfarm.org.uk/event-space

21/01/2025

This term we are offering free drop-in sessions for job-seekers every Thursday from 10am -2pm during term time as part of our fantastic Supported Volunteering project!

The first drop-in session is Thursday 30th January from 10am - 2pm, and will focus on the Five Ways to Wellbeing and how to incorporate them into your life. Our hands-on farm workshop will support you to connect with others, get active, learn new skills, embrace mindfulness, and give back to the community in a meaningful way.

These fun and supportive sessions are for anyone age 16+ who is currently unemployed, lives north of Tyne and who would really benefit from some extra support due to a mild or moderate learning disability, anxiety, mental health concern, or other difficulty.

Other upcoming drop-in sessions will be:

🐁6th Feb: Caring for Small Animals
⚽️13th Feb: Animal Enrichment
🐄27th Feb: Livestock Experience Day
🥕6th March: Food Growing
🦎13th March: Reptile Week
🌲20th March: Caring for Green Spaces and Wildlife
🐖27th March: Livestock Experience Day

Further details about all of the drop-in sessions can be found here: https://www.ouseburnfarm.org.uk/vacanciesandvolunteering We will also be posting about each session over the next couple of months.

For more information or to sign up to one or more workshops contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah, on [email protected]
or call 0191 232 3698.

14/01/2025

In 2025, what might you do differently, or aim to do more of? If you need some inspiration, we have some ideas...

🏃‍♀️ You could run the Great North Run in September and fundraise £350 for the farm! It's the world's most iconic half marathon; crossing the Tyne Bridge and ending with a beautiful sea view are particular highlights. If you'd like something to aim for to get you running outside, this could be it! Email [email protected] if you'd like to join our team.

🐃🌿 Spend more time outdoors and with animals. This one is easy! In our latest community survey, an overwhelming amount of visitors told us they feel "calm and happy" after visiting the farm. Whether on your own or coming with family or friends, you will always feel better after hanging out with our animals and taking some deep breaths in the garden.

⌚️ Have some spare time? You might like to volunteer with us. We have lots of opportunities supporting adults with learning disabilities (our wonderful Placements) one-to-one in their workshops. Email [email protected] for more info.

🍳 Fancy trying some new eateries in Newcastle? We might be biased but we hear that serve the best eggs benedict in the toon, with the friendliest staff!

📚 Would you and your family like to read more books this year? Tie in a visit to us with our wonderful neighbours and they can help you find the magic in reading.

Have you set any intentions for 2025?

#2025

11/01/2025

This week marked the start of a new term for our adult placements, and they’ve enjoyed seeing all of the animals again after their winter break. Yesterday they gave our fluffiest residents some tlc during their small animal workshop. 🥕

Swipe for the ultimate guinea pig cuteness that is guaranteed to make you smile today! 🐹

We support adults with additional needs, giving them hands-on experience in our bustling farmyard, gardens, kitchen and shop. If you or anyone you know may be interested in our Placement Programme, you can email our Placement Lead Andrea Haynes: [email protected].

09/01/2025

Are you interested in animal care or gardening? Join us for the final round of our Supported Volunteering Project! This project is funded by the UK government through the North East Combined Authority.

This 8-week programme offers a supportive environment where you can explore volunteering and work opportunities in areas like animal care, farming, and gardening. It’s designed for people who are out of work, aged 16+, and living north of the Tyne who need a bit of extra support due to a mild or moderate learning disability, anxiety, mental health concern, or other difficulties.

Join us and connect with others who share your interests while gaining skills and confidence!

Here are some of the details:
1. One day per week for 8 weeks, on Fridays, starting on the 31st of January.
2. 10.30am - 3pm
3. Employment and wellbeing workshops
4. Group volunteering in animal care and horticulture

Swipe ⬅️ to see what the experience has meant to other people. If you’d like to sign up and take part, email our Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Smith: [email protected].

08/01/2025

Our animals have made some 2025 New Year's Resolutions. Do you think they'll stick to them?!

🐐Robbie the goat: "I'll stop headbutting all my friends. Probably."
🦎Carrot the Leopard Gecko: "I will try to stop hogging all the food from my tank mate, Turnip."
🐄Willow the cow: "I’ll try to not be so stubborn..."
🦜Beavis the parrot: "I will aim to beat my no biting record of 108 days!"
🐖Truffle and Judy, the pigs: "We will do our best to share more - especially apples."
🐢Doris the tortoise: "I’m going to eat ALL my vegetables, not just the fruit (I just really like fruit, ok)"
🐦️Bob the cockatiel: "I’ll stop screaming quite so loud."

Are there any resolutions you would add for our other animals? We'd love to hear...

07/01/2025

Ouseburn Farm is back open for 2025!

We hope you had a wonderful festive break and we’re really excited to welcome you all back to the farm! We’re open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am until 3pm.

If you would like to support us during our most quiet period of the year, there are many ways you can!

🐖 You could sponsor an animal or bee, a great gift for the nature lover in your life. Head to www.ouseburnfarm.org.uk/sponsorananimal or click the link in our bio.

🛍️ Buy something from our farm shop.

💷 Make a donation to the farm via our website: www.ouseburnfarm.org.uk/donate

🐔 Come and buy a bag of feed to give to the animals. They would love to see you!

03/01/2025

01/01/2025

Happy New Year!

We’re wishing all of our lovely followers and supporters the very best for 2025. We’re looking forward to seeing what this year holds for our farm.

For anyone that is missing their farm fix, we’re back open on Tuesday the 7th of January from 10am!

Photo by our brilliant livestock volunteer, Paul.

31/12/2024

2024: Our Year in Review

What a year it’s been for Ouseburn Farm! Swipe to see just some of our many highlights. Thank you to everyone who sent in some of their brilliant pictures for this post. 📸

We also want to say a huge farm thank you to everyone who has supported us in 2024, whether that’s through visiting, donating or volunteering. We’re incredibly grateful! 💚

30/12/2024

This year we are very happy to be offering a Christmas tree recycling service! 🎄⁠
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If you live local to us in postcode areas NE2 or NE6, we can collect your tree from outside your property between 6th and 14th January. The cost for this is £12 and all donations received will go directly towards our charitable work at the farm. ⁠
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The trees will be chipped and then used throughout the year on the farm, in animal enclosures to keep our animals cosy and clean, and on footpaths. What a lovely and sustainable way to recycle your tree! ⁠
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You can book the service here: https://buy.stripe.com/28o00A6n0aDXdzicNq ⁠Once you have paid, please email your full postal address and an idea of where you will leave your tree (eg. behind bins/ next to wall) to [email protected].
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Thank you for your support. ⁠
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29/12/2024

Betwixmas, when everyone forgets what day it is and the chocolates start running out... what better time to fill out our community survey!

It's short and simple to complete, and will help us to shape our direction for 2025 and beyond: https://tinyurl.com/24hnp57a

Don't forget you can also choose to be entered into our competition to win a VIP group experience at the farm! Winners will be announced in the new year.

Your opinions really matter to us - thank you so much.

27/12/2024

Year in Review: 2024 Call out!

Hello everyone! We hope you’ve had a wonderful Christmas. We’re working on our annual Year in Review post and wanted to include some pictures from our brilliant visitors! If you have any favourite pictures from your farm visits this year, do send them to us through DM to feature in our post.
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#2024

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas! We hope you have an absolutely wonderful day, as well as a fun and restful festive period. We look forward to welcoming you all back in the New Year.

From,

The Ouseburn Farm Team 💚🎄