Farmland gifted by upmarket hotel to teach young people food growing and rural skills
A luxury country house hotel and agricultural estate has donated land to a project where young people will develop practical skills and explore rural careers.
The Newt in Somerset has gifted the site near Wincanton to Young Somerset, a charity supporting young people across the county to create the Young Somerset Farm.
The Newt in Somerset, set across 3,000 acres near Bruton, is a working country estate, hotel and spa with a focus on horticulture, agriculture, food and the traditions of the land. It is centred on Hadspen House, a 17th-century manor which is now a 12-bedroom luxury hotel.
Andrew Foulkes, chief executive of hospitality at The Newt in Somerset, added: “We are delighted to gift this land to Young Somerset and support the creation of a place that will provide meaningful opportunities for young people.”
Preparations for the Young Somerset Farm are underway.
Activity at the site is expected to begin early next year, with the first full growing and activity season planned from March.
Rachel Covill