Beetle Bank Social Farm

Looking for a meaningful, active, and social experience in a beautiful countryside setting?

Beetle Bank Social Farm offers a unique opportunity for people living with dementia and/or other long-term health conditions to enjoy the outdoors, care for animals, and be part of a friendly, supportive community.

A Safe and Supportive Space to Thrive

Since 2018, Beetle Bank Social Farm has welcomed people who want to stay active, meet others, and feel a real sense of purpose.

Whether you love animals, gardening, woodwork, or simply being outdoors, there’s always something rewarding to get involved in.

From feeding the pigs to growing fruit and veg, or helping with DIY projects like building a climbing frame for the goats, there are plenty of ways to contribute and have fun.

Why Join Us at Beetle Bank Social Farm?

  • Feel Useful & Stay Active – Whether it’s mucking out, planting flowers, or feeding the animals, there’s always a job to do.
  • Be Part of a Community – Our farm is a welcoming place where friendships grow and laughter is never far away.
  • Enjoy the Great Outdoors – Fresh air, open spaces, and hands-on tasks that change with the seasons.
  • Supportive Environment – We offer safe, structured activities, with a warm, all-weather cabin, polytunnel, barn, and accessible areas.
  • Meaningful Outcomes – Many participants tell us how much happier, more confident, and sociable they feel after a day on the farm with us.

Watch the Short Film

What Our Members Say

  • “Pigs, I love ’em!” – Linda
  • “It gets me out of the house and gives me something to do.” – Nigel.
  • “I’ve done some work and I’m happy” – Pete
  • “We should call it something with the word ‘joy’ in it – it’s always joyful.” – Chris

Family and Professional Feedback

  • “He feels useful again… being out in the fresh air and doing physical work.” – Sheryl, family care partner
  • “She’s like a different person – at home she doesn’t say anything.” – Lisa, family care partner
  • “Being outside and active is a key part of this opportunity.” – Mary, Social Worker

Our Ongoing Projects at Beetle Bank Social Farm

We’re always growing and improving our social farm with projects like:

  • Building raised beds for growing vegetables and flowers, enabling us all to participate.
  • Growing new fruits and vegetables – ever tried farm – grown melons?
  • Making the farm more accessible.
  • Creative woodwork projects, e.g. building shelves etc. using reclaimed wood.

Practicalities

Days we are open

We are open every Tuesday and Wednesday between 10am and 4pm throughout the whole year.

Group Size at Beetle Bank Social Farm

We maintain a small and friendly group size (max 6 participants with at least 2 staff on site), ensuring plenty of personal attention and support.

Whether you come alone or with a carer, you’ll find a warm welcome.

Costs of attending Beetle Bank Social Farm

Beetle Bank Social Farm is a paid-for service and not part of the Lottery Project. We work hard to keep our prices as low as possible to cover our costs, because we believe everyone should have the chance to benefit.

  • Full Day: £72 (10am – 4pm)
  • Half Day: £40 (10am – 1pm or 1pm – 4pm)
  • Taster sessions: £30 (for a half day)
  • Care partners attend FREE of charge if it helps with your visit.

Use Your Benefits

You could use non means-tested benefits such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to cover the costs of coming to the farm.

Social Care Funding

If you’re eligible for social care funding, this can also be used to pay for your place. A Social Worker will be able to tell you.

Self-Funded Places Available

We welcome those who are paying privately too.

Help with Transport

Need help getting here? We can help arrange taxi transport to make it easy.

Location

Beetle Bank Farm, near Murton village, York

Join Us

Our farm is popular and places are limited, so we encourage you to get in touch to find out about any spaces we may have. Click here to go to our Contact page.

Beetle Bank Social Farm Case Studies

Beetle Bank Social Farm Case Study: John and Sylvia. Click here
Beetle Bank Social Farm Case Study: Peter, Retired Livestock Farmer. Click here
Beetle Bank Social Farm and Green Care Coalition. Click here


  • CONTACT DETAILS

       Phone: 07932 420726

       Email: partnersindementia@gmail.com