There’s fowl play going on at Westlake as we get ready to welcome some feathered-friends to the site who will help children with autism and other needs.
Students from Reaseheath, one of the UK’s leading specialist land-based colleges, have been preparing the ground and building shelters as part of plans to offer animal husbandry experiences at our autism-friendly equine therapy centre.
Chickens, ducks and pheasants will shortly have a new home there and the diverse breeds of chicken will all lay different coloured eggs!
Westlake co-owner David Haycocks explained: “While Westlake’s primary focus has been horses and equine therapy, it was always a big part of the plans to have many other animals on site, including plenty of chickens.
“While every child with autism is different there is good evidence that interacting with chickens helps people with autism develop their social skills and coping mechanisms. They are friendly, funny animals who have easily predictable needs and are very rewarding to spend time with and develop a bond.
“That they will lay pink, blue, green and white eggs as well as the traditional brown is a lovely bonus too, which we hope will also help children and young people in a motor sensory way – as well as showing where eggs on the breakfast table have come from.”
Elsewhere, at Westlake orchard planting is now complete with 108 fruit trees in the ground, polytunnels have been erected and safety fencing put in place, all with the help of Reaseheath students who are collaborating with Westlake to further enhance their practical studies.
“Things are moving quickly,” added Dave. “With all the collaboration and good-will we are receiving from the community, we will be opening our doors much sooner than we anticipated.”