The first seeds for The Sunflower Community Care Farm were sown in September 2015, when a visit to a care farm showed us the wide-ranging benefits of being outside, nurturing plants, and caring for animals.

In May 2016, those seeds began to grow. A small group of us decided to explore the possibility of setting up our own care farm.

After months of research and planning, we became a registered Community Interest Company (not-for-profit) on 10th November 2016, and opened our community bank account — the first glimpse of new shoots from our seeds!

🌿 Finding Our Home

In the summer of 2017, we discovered Neepawa Cottage in Capel St Andrew — a beautiful three-and-a-half-acre farm with direct access to Rendlesham Forest.

We moved in November 2017, and within days, we were welcoming our first participants from Wots Up Day Service in Ipswich. By April 2018, we were accredited by the County Council, became members of Social Farms & Gardens (incorporating Care Farms UK), and gained CEVAS accreditation for educational visits.

🌻 A Permanent Home

In July 2023, we moved to The Homestead in Snape Watering, giving the Care Farm a permanent home. All of our participants moved with us, and since then, new participants have joined, and we’ve welcomed another miniature Shetland pony, Magic, to our Care Farm family.

🌟 Growing Together

From a simple idea to a thriving care farm, our journey has been about connecting people, animals, and nature. Each step has been guided by our mission to provide a safe, calm, and nurturing environment where everyone feels valued.