A SELF-CONFESSED nature lover has launched plans to establish a ‘care farm’ in south west Hertfordshire.

Jude Allen, of Chester Road, Watford, is hoping to share her love of the outdoors with troubled teens and says the project can also help alcoholics and people with mental or physical disabilities.

Jude believes the calm that comes over people who are asked to look after farm animals, cultivate crops or even weed a vegetable patch is “amazing”.

She says people who are suddenly made to feel part of a routine and given meaningful activities to complete gain self-esteem and confidence boosts, as well as having a team ethic installed in them.

“We have worked with teenagers who were about to be expelled from education,” Jude says, “and within two weeks of having to be responsible for their own actions – often for the first time – the difference in them is just amazing.”

Jude and her business partner, Pete Bellfield, are now in the process of launching Farming For All, a non-profit making organisation based in Watford.

The aim is to develop links with local farms and get disaffected teenagers, people with learning difficulties and drug addicts in the area working the land.

And the 30-year-old, who currently works for a similar programme in London, says she has already seen the benefits first-hand.

“It is based around the concept of care farming, which is huge in Europe”, Jude explains.

“It is about caring for the land and people together and it is about recognising that people coming into contact with nature, the outdoors and animals is beneficial to their well-being.”

She added: “I have always worked outdoors, I love the outdoors, I love farming.

“I know it benefits me; I feel much happier in that environment and now, having come into contact with support networks later in my career, I know it works for other people.”

Jude believes farming acts as a therapeutic activity for people suffering from stress or depression, while allowing others to gain skills and qualifications in an outdoor environment.

“I have seen people who won’t initially talk to people or engage with people – they literally just come in from the street.

“Now they sit and talk in a group, they feel valued, they are drinking less and are starting to take part in more activities.”

In the meantime Jude and Pete are aiming to develop links with local farmers, probation workers, NHS organisations, charities and local authorities as she aims to get the project up-and-running.

Jude added: “Ever since I was young I’ve always worked with animals, in the outdoors and in nature.

“And as I’ve got older I’ve worked with disaffected youths and I’ve just seen how the outdoors and nature do help people.

“And that is what we are trying to do.”

Anyone interested in developing links with Farming For All can contact Jude on judeallen@farmingforall.org.uk.