Sunnyside Rural Trust

Horticultural charity for young people and adults with learning disabilities based in Hertfordshire

Sunnyside Rural Trust was founded in 1990 as a small, horticultural project for young people and adults with learning disabilities. It is now a thriving charity and social enterprise, offering training and work experience for over 130 vulnerable people in the local community. We train people with learning disabilities to acquire skills in a number of rural and retail activities. These include beekeeping, looking after chickens, growing a wide range of plants and produce, landscaping and garden maintenance. We have a focus on the full "plot to plate" cycle, from sowing seeds and nurturing plants to making produce to sell in the farm shop or market. We do all of this as environmentally friendly as possible. Our training and work experience take place across Dacorum in Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and Northchurch in a range of tranquil settings. These include ancient woodland, allotments, orchards, greenhouses and a cafe and farm shop.

Why the community needs us

Only 6% of all people with learning disabilities in the UK are in paid employment. We want to see this change and currently we employ 5 people in paid employment across our social enterprises including our head barista, Rebecca, our wardens in Bovingdon, Northchurch and gardeners.

Volunteers needed

working outside on horticultural and rural projects working alongside adults with learning disabilities

What your gift could provide

£36

pays for board and lodgings for ex-battery hens

£60

pays for board and lodgings for rescued goats

£100

pays for solar panels

Fundraise for us!

Charity Information

Sunnyside Rural Trust

Registered charity no.: 1004264