Young Somerset News
Representatives from Young Somerset and The Newt in Somerset at the site of the new Young Somerset Farm near Wincanton. Credit: The Newt in Somerset
Young Somerset and The Newt announce pioneering Farm to help young people grow skills, confidence and future
Young Somerset is creating a pioneering new Farm near Wincanton where young people will be able to grow their skills, confidence and future prospects through nature, practical learning and sustainable food growing.
The Young Somerset Farm is being made possible through an incredibly generous donation of land from The Newt in Somerset, supporting Young Somerset’s ambitious plans to reach and help many more young people across the county.
The Farm will create opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop practical skills, support their wellbeing and explore future pathways through growing, food, nature and enterprise. Young people will be actively involved in shaping the Farm as it develops, supported by Young Somerset staff, the Farm team, volunteers and local partners.
Nik Harwood, Chief Executive of Young Somerset, said:
“This is an incredibly significant and generous donation from The Newt, which will help Young Somerset realise an exciting and ambitious vision and create a genuinely different opportunity for young people across Somerset.
Nik Harwood (Young Somerset) and Andrew Foulkes (The Newt in Somerset)
“We know that young people learn and thrive in different ways and, for some, practical activity, being outdoors and seeing the tangible results of what they have achieved can be incredibly powerful. The Farm will provide an inclusive environment where young people can connect with nature, develop practical skills and discover new strengths and possibilities.
“We will quite literally be growing food, but our real ambition is to help young people grow too – in confidence, skills, wellbeing and their sense of what might be possible for their future. We are enormously grateful to The Newt for gifting the land and enabling us to reach and support many more young people for years to come.”
Andrew Foulkes, CEO of Hospitality at The Newt in Somerset, said:
“We are delighted to gift this land to Young Somerset and support the creation of a place that will provide meaningful opportunities for young people.
“Growing, nature and working with the land can have a powerful impact on confidence, wellbeing and practical skills. We look forward to seeing Young Somerset’s vision for the Farm take shape and the difference it will make.”
Preparations for the Young Somerset Farm are now underway. Activity at the site is expected to begin in early 2027, with the first full growing and activity season planned from March 2027.
Young Somerset will share further information about the Farm, the activities it will offer and future opportunities through its website and social media channels.
Young Somerset Farm Introduction Video
About Young Somerset
Young Somerset is the largest youth and community support charity in Somerset, providing targeted services for children, young people and their families in response to the needs of the communities it serves.
Founded in 1997 as Somerset Rural Youth Project, the charity puts young people at the heart of everything it does. Its work includes alternative education provision, mental health and wellbeing support, supported internships and work-based learning, and youth work delivered in healthcare, education and community settings.
Young Somerset works in partnership with young people, families, communities and statutory and voluntary-sector organisations to create opportunities, improve wellbeing and help young people achieve positive outcomes.
Young Somerset is a registered charity in England and Wales (1070693) and a company limited by guarantee (03363009). Further information is available at www.youngsomerset.org.uk.
About The Newt in Somerset
The Newt in Somerset is a working country estate with a focus on horticulture, agriculture, food and the traditions of the land. Further information is available at thenewtinsomerset.com.
Young Somerset expands Supported Internship opportunities across Somerset
Young Somerset is expanding its Supported Internship programmes, with up to 25 young people set to take part across Bridgwater, Taunton and Exmoor this year.
Delivered in partnership with SS&L, the programmes support young people with SEND to gain meaningful workplace experience while developing the skills, confidence and independence they need to move towards paid employment.
Young Somerset has delivered its Bold & Brave Supported Internship programme since 2024, initially supporting 10 interns through placements at its Bold & Brave Café in Taunton Library and shop at Riverside Place.
The programme has since expanded into Bridgwater, supported by a Bold & Brave Café at Bridgwater Train Station and a shop in Angel Place. Last year, 12 interns were supported across the Taunton and Bridgwater venues.
Alongside placements within Bold & Brave, Young Somerset works with a growing network of employers across Somerset. These placements allow interns to experience different working environments, recognise how their skills transfer between roles and explore a wider range of potential careers.
Siobhan Gallagher, Supported Internship Programme Manager at Young Somerset, said: “It’s been fantastic to see our Supported Internship programme grow and to create more opportunities for young people across Somerset. The support of local employers is incredibly important, giving interns real workplace experience and the chance to build their confidence and skills. We’d love to hear from more businesses interested in getting involved.”
Employers interested in providing meaningful workplace opportunities for interns can contact [email protected] or visit youngsomerset.org.uk.