A not-for-profit organisation is celebrating two decades of transforming lives and reconnecting people with the land.
Dorset-based Future Roots, which supports young people through farming, nature, and mentoring, marked its 20th anniversary on Saturday, July 18 with a reunion at Rylands Farm in Holnest.
Julie Plumley, founder of Future Roots, said: "For twenty years I’ve been told these young people are hard to reach, hard to help, hard work.
"What they needed was time, safety and somewhere that wouldn’t give up on them, and we were lucky to be able to provide that."
Around 200 people attended the private event, including around 100 former participants—many of whom first arrived at the farm when struggling in traditional classroom settings.
The reunion also saw the launch of Nurture Through Nature, a new four-year programme funded by the National Lottery.
The scheme will offer early support to children aged eight to 12 and their families before issues reach crisis levels.
It will include group sessions and outdoor activities, and will be free for some families experiencing hardship.
In a separate recognition of its work, Future Roots was recently invited by the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley, to host a stand at the Corn Exchange under the Harmony in Education banner and to meet King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
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