WEEKLY ‘open farm’ days and ‘gentle country walks’ on level paths are now on offer at a newly opened smallholding activity centre.

The Orchard Trust Smallholding in Lydbrook is an accessible day facility targeted at people with learning or physical disabilities, pensioners and people who feel isolated.

The site now has a network of level tarmac paths which are wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass comfortably and for those who use a walking aid to be supported on both sides.

All the paddocks and livestock can be easily reached along the paths which link up with the sensory garden and are enhanced by six new benches, three of which are adapted for wheelchairs, paid for by the Leeds Building Society and Forest Of Dean District Council.

The official opening of the Stowfield site on Thursday, April 20, gave the Orchard Trust the chance to thank funders, including Gloucestershire Environmental Trust, the Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, Tesco, Awards for All, Summerfield, the CLA Charitable Trust and the All Churches Trust, and to show upcoming plans and projects.

The pathways will be used for ‘gentle country walks’ every third Thursday of the month, alongside weekly open farm days, which run from 10am to 4pm.

The walks are mainly aimed at people living with mobility difficulties who would like to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and secure environment.

During the opening day, guests took a wander around the paths, stopping to open the wishing well which was designed by Neil Perkins and made by carpentry students at Gloucestershire College.

The final stop was to open the ‘Morrisons Gazebo’, an outdoor classroom paid for by the Morrisons Foundation.

Christopher Bennett proudly cut the ribbon to the classroom and was first inside.

The gazebo will be a valuable facility enabling visitors to experience the outdoors in a dry, spacious area.

Please call Phill Hucks in advance if you are visiting on 01594 861359. There is no charge, but a donation in the wishing well would help with running costs.

For more information call 01594 861359, email [email protected] or see www.orchard-trust.org.uk