Welcome to Downswood
Care Farm
Supporting young people, in a beautiful rural setting, we offer rewarding, hands-on experiences with alpacas, horses, the natural world, gardening and creativity.
What we do
Downswood is a beautiful small-holding, situated on the edge of Salisbury Plain, with lovely old-fashioned gardens, a stable yard, paddocks, and a wooded area. We live on site, together with a family of horses, alpacas, dogs, cats and chickens.
Meet the team
Our mission at Downswood Care Farm is to support local young people, who may be finding life at home or school a challenge, but who are drawn to animals and nature. Our Youth Sessions offer the chance to experience the positive effects of being in nature, to interact with our animals, to get their hands in the soil growing flowers or vegetables, and to express themselves through art and craft activities.
Downswood also offers a range of Alpaca Activities and workshops to the public, with plenty of parking, a studio space, toilet and hand-washing facilities, and a warm welcome!
Meet the team
Clare Smallman has been involved with animals all her life; she grew up on a farm with horses and ponies and went on to make them her career. Clare has a love of nature and wildlife, and enjoys arts and crafts, using fleece from the Downswood alpacas to spin, weave, felt and knit some lovely creations.
Clare's role at Downswood Care Farm is to plan and lead one-to-one and
small group sessions with young people, as well as being responsible for the general management. She is Downswood's Designated Safeguarding Lead,
has a Level 2 Understanding Autism qualification, and holds a First Aid at
Work certificate. Clare will usually be your first point of contact at the farm.
Mark Smallman is a former English teacher, also a sculptor, painter, and musician, performing in three bands, including as “Mick Jogger” in Mick Jogger
and The Stones Experience. Mark has trained thoroughbreds and Arab racehorses, and his love of horses is reflected in his artwork. He also offers art classes to the public and young people attending the farm.
Mark’s role at Downswood Care Farm is to share the care of the animals and
site. He has a particular interest in encouraging the personal development of attendees at Downswood, supporting them to get the most out of their interactions with the animals and natural world. ​
Becky Pearson grew up at Downswood, loving horses and enjoying country
life. Since leaving university, and with a keen interest in health and fitness,
Becky teaches riding and swimming, and runs a local village circuit-training
class. Gardening has become a big passion for Becky, and Downswood’s
extensive gardens are the perfect place to learn and develop green skills.
Becky’s role at Downswood is to work closely with young people, sharing her enthusiasm for the animals and gardens. Becky has been teaching children
and adults for over 15 years and focuses on making sessions challenging, rewarding and, most of all, fun.
