Gortilea Social Farm CIC

Gortilea Social Farm CIC Gortilea Social Farm represents an exciting new learning approach through animals and nature. Animal care- Sheep, Cows, Pigs, Horses and Dog.

Participants are presented with the opportunity of being a day farmer in a supportive environment to encourage them, regardless of ability and academic attainment, to discover and achieve tasks that they may have previously believed was out of their reach. We support individuals with learning difficulties/mental health problems through farm based activities. through the use of activity analysis, assessment of function, collaborative goal setting and grading of activities Gortilea Social Farm provides a different intervention approach. We provide participants with the opportunity to gain new skills and a possible accrediated qualification. Our fully trained staff support participants to reach their goals in what ever this may be. Our on site Occupational Therapist has gained qualifications in literacy and numeracy through farm based activities as well as hippotherapy (horse therapy). A typical day can vary on the farm and is very much tailored to meet the needs of the individual participant, activities can include:

Horticulture- poly tunnel activities, planting flowers and trees. Cookery
Baking
Community integration
Socialisation
Activities of Daily Living
Training opportunities
Support to employment. Please feel free to request an information pack if you feel this is something which may be of interest to you.

26/01/2026

ðŸŒą Roots to Recovery at Gortilea Social Farm ðŸŒą

Roots to Recovery is an Occupational Therapy led programme for adults who may be experiencing mental health challenges and would benefit from support, connection, and time in nature.

The programme runs one session per week for six weeks in a peer supported setting, using the natural farm environment including horses and other animals, horticulture, and nature based activities to support wellbeing and everyday functioning.

Participants also have the opportunity to develop practical and personal skills that can support confidence, routine, and future personal or career development, at a pace that feels comfortable.

Sessions are held at suitable times, taking into account childcare and other commitments, and refreshments are provided. There is no pressure, just a welcoming and supportive space to reconnect and spend time with others.

For more information or to enquire, please contact us directly. You are welcome to have an initial meeting with the onsite OT who can talk you through the programme prior to sign up. The OT will support you when deciding goals appropriate for you.

This programme is fully funded.

You are very welcome at Gortilea 💚

When team work makes the dream work. Lovely morning working with and riding the horses and some down time making natural...
21/12/2025

When team work makes the dream work. Lovely morning working with and riding the horses and some down time making natural hand scrub gifts. Thanks to City of Derry equestrian for their help in this project and providing an amazing venue.

Another lovely evening at city of Derry stables. The children enjoyed a pizza and movie night to relax after their pony ...
18/12/2025

Another lovely evening at city of Derry stables. The children enjoyed a pizza and movie night to relax after their pony games.

ðŸī Be Wild 🐑 Great start to our pre christmas Be Wild family programme in partnership with city of Derry equestrian. Some...
17/12/2025

ðŸī Be Wild 🐑

Great start to our pre christmas Be Wild family programme in partnership with city of Derry equestrian. Some great work and reflections on regulation activities in nature before the Xmas session.

This project is funded by SEUPB and is spported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

13/12/2025

ðŸī Be Wild 🐑

Pre Christmas FULLY FUNDED Universal Family programme.

We are offering a great opportunity for families to spend time in nature, with horses and other farm animals pre the business of the Christmas session. This project will be delivered in partnership with city of Derry equestrian and delivered on their yard. Times- Wednesday 17th (4pm-8pm), Thursday (4.30pm- 8.30pm) 21st (9am-2pm) and 23rd (9am-4pm).

This programme is a universal programme and will suit children age 8 and above who are able to manage independently to complete activities. Parents will be encouraged to attend the evening sessions.

Spaces are extremely limited, if interested please PM this page. Those who have attended a previous Be Wild programme will unfortunately be unable to apply.

The Be Wild project is funded by DCSDC. A programme supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Ted is definitely wintering well ðŸĪ­
16/11/2025

Ted is definitely wintering well ðŸĪ­

The children enjoyed checking on the pet lambs in their new home today. They made their dinner, got to try the tractor a...
09/09/2025

The children enjoyed checking on the pet lambs in their new home today. They made their dinner, got to try the tractor and then picked some tasty treats for home in the polytunnel. Active activities in nature provides the ideal therapeutic and learning environment for children. .

08/09/2025
Emily and Ted enjoying the summer sun with their neighbours.
10/07/2025

Emily and Ted enjoying the summer sun with their neighbours.

The horses enjoyed their treats this evening prepared by Orlagh, Micheal and Jennifer. A great fine motor activity with ...
01/07/2025

The horses enjoyed their treats this evening prepared by Orlagh, Micheal and Jennifer. A great fine motor activity with a purposeful end.

16/06/2025
Lots of fun this evening. The older group spent time with Emily and the lambs and the younger children made some great b...
10/06/2025

Lots of fun this evening. The older group spent time with Emily and the lambs and the younger children made some great bird feeders and natural hand scrub with flowers from the garden. ðŸŠī ðŸī 🐑

Address

491 Baranailt Road
Claudy
BT474EF

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