Lingen Davies cancer care renews funding for restorative sessions at England’s first community-owned farm

Attendees have been able to get involved with an array of activities, from pollinator surveying, autumnal foraging and healthy cooking, to nature photography, bushcraft and nature journalling. One attendee said that “It’s fantastic to learn something new and feel ‘normal’ when the rest of life is so chaotic and stressful”, while another added “Having started back to work the last couple of weeks, it was good to unwind with people who understand what’s going on for you.”

Lingen Davies has approved funding to continue these fortnightly Friday sessions for a further 12 months. Launched in 1979, Lingen Davies is a cancer charity which aims to bring cancer services closer to the people of Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid-Wales.

Due to their generous decision to renew the funding, the community-owned farm, the Fordhall Community Land Initiative in Market Drayton, ran their first session of 2025 on 14th February – with a ‘welcome to the farm’, and gentle nature walk along their picturesque trails, where the group immersed themselves with nature, shared a light lunch, and shared ideas on what the future sessions should include.

Charlotte Hollins, Fordhall Community Land Initiative general manager, said: “We are delighted, and endlessly grateful, that Lingen Davies have chosen to renew our funding for a second year. We saw the positive impact these sessions had upon those who attended, allowing them to unwind in an environment outside of a clinical setting, while learning something new and connecting with others who understand the journey they are on.

“We are excited to get going with the new programme of sessions. We already have spring foraging walks, tree planting, yoga and cooking on our agenda. The rest of our delivery will be shaped by the individuals attending, our sessions will be very much guided by them. All updates to the programme will be posted on our website and social media; so, if you or someone you know may benefit from this project, do keep checking back.”

Naomi Atkin, CEO of Lingen Davies, said the charity was pleased to continue supporting this important community initiative to support those living with and beyond cancer.

"We're dedicated to making a positive difference to those impacted by cancer throughout Shropshire and Mid Wales, and that extends beyond anytime spent undergoing medical treatment. In 2024 we invested up to £1,000,000 in services and projects to benefit our community and we're delighted at the response from our patients to projects such as this.

"Fordhall Farm is such a beautiful place to be able to offer people living with a cancer diagnosis the space, time and support to recuperate and adapt. We hope that as many people as possible take full advantage of these sessions and I look forward to meeting some of them soon."