The John Burns Foundation

Home
United Kingdom
Kidwelly
The John Burns Foundation

The John Burns Foundation is a charitable trust founded to help make a difference to the lives of people and their pets throughout the UK.

Burns Pet Nutrition is a local business that grew and flourished thanks to the incredible support from the community in south west Wales, so it’s only right that we give something back to help and inspire charities, organisations and individuals to achieve their goals too. That’s why in 2007 Burns Pet Nutrition set up a charitable trust to help make a difference to the lives of people and their pets throughout the UK. It’s not just financial assistance we provide – we also share our resources and skills, especially when conservation, the countryside, education or pets are involved. We are developing exciting new projects and partnerships that help enhance the lives of disadvantaged people, by offering practical recreational facilities and life skill opportunities, as well as promoting the effects of the human animal bond with our Burns by Your Side Reading Dog scheme launched this year. We hope to develop meaningful partnerships with human rights and welfare organisations and would welcome any enquiries about how we can work together. For this and any further information about the work of Burns in the Community please see our website www.johnburnsfoundation.org

02/09/2025

A Taste of Wales with Purpose: The John Burns Foundation Launches Locally-Made Heritage Fruit Juice

Kidwelly, Wales – Autumn 2025

The John Burns Foundation is proud to announce a heartwarming new venture that blends community, sustainability, and the rich flavours of Welsh heritage. Nestled within our grounds is a mature orchard bursting each year with an abundance of apples and pears. These aren’t just any fruits—they’re traditional Welsh and heritage apple varieties, known for their exceptional taste and character.
This Autumn, our Growing Together group—made up of adults with additional needs and disabilities—is teaming up with the passionate producers at Dinefwr Orchadeers in Llandeilo to transform this bounty into something truly special: a range of 100% pasteurized fruit juices, crafted with care and purpose.
Available in 75cl and 33cl bottles, this juice is more than just delicious—it’s a celebration of ethical production, local collaboration, and inclusive enterprise.
We’re now inviting local suppliers and retailers to join us in bringing this vibrant product to the wider community. By stocking our juice, you’ll be supporting a meaningful initiative that empowers individuals and promotes sustainable, locally-sourced produce.
📞 For more information or to express interest in stocking this unique juice, please contact:
Chris Cray
📧 Chris@johnburnsfoundation.org
📱 01554 890840
Let’s grow something beautiful together—one bottle at a time.

01/09/2025

This is what the Growing Together group did at the John Burns Centre this week.
Myself, Brandon, Dai, Antonia, Darren, and Simon H went up to the orchard with Chris to do lots of apple picking. We did one tree at a time, where one of us picked apples off the trees, while the others collected apples off the floor.

While picking the apples off the trees and the floor, we had to check if they were bad or good. The good apples were bagged up, and the bad apples were thrown into the hedge. (The apples are good for the wildlife).
We all got completely soaked as it was tipping it down with rain.

Whilst we were busy apple picking in the orchard, Simon D, Aaron, Christian, Gareth and Lynda did some cooking in the Cooking Together kitchen with Kate.

This time they cooked home made Aubergine Parmigiana with pasta salad, garlic crumpets. For pudding they made out of the apples home made apple crumble and custard.

Once everyone up at the orchard finished apple picking, they all went back to the workshop to have lunch. Everyone in the group really enjoyed their lunch very much.

In the afternoon, Christian, Gareth, Simon D, Lynda and Aaron helped Kate in the Cooking Together kitchen to wash, clean and dry up.
The rest of the group including myself, Brandon, Dai, Antonia, and Darren went back to the orchard to do some more apple picking.

As well as doing the apple picking, we helped to put them into bags, ready to be sent off to be turned into apple juice.

Once everyone finished up at the orchard, we all went back to the workshop ready to go home.

All in all a very busy but productive day at the John Burns Centre for the Growing Together group this week.

Thanks Rory glad to see you were kept busy while I've been away!
Just wanted to say a big Thank you to our friends at Dinefwr Orchard Llandeilo who press and bottle our juice for us to sell back here at the Foundation.

27/08/2025

This is what the Growing Together group did at the John Burns Centre last week!

Myself, Brandon, Christian, Gareth, Wayne, Brendan, Aaron, Simon H, and Steve went outside with Chris to do lots of jobs around the Foundation grounds.

Some of the jobs that we did with Chris were removing lots of unwanted weeds from the beds at the back of the polytunnel, harvesting lots of produce from the polytunnel and weeding in the beds in the garden of the John Burns Centre.

Whilst we were busy outside, Dai and Simon D went to the 'Cooking Together' kitchen with Kate, to make lunch for the rest of the group using the produce from the Foundation.

This week they cooked home made cheese and potato pie with stuffed tomatoes with the large tomatoes from the polytunnel, salad, coleslaw, salad and orzo pasta salad.

Once everyone outside completed their jobs for the morning, they all went back to the workshop to have lunch. Everyone really enjoyed this week's lunch very much.

After lunch, we all went to the orchard with Chris to do lots of apple picking. The apples we pick from the orchard, are used to make the apple juice we sell at the Foundation.

Whilst we were busy apple picking, Dai stayed behind at the Centre to help Kate in the kitchen to clean up after lunch.

Once everyone at the orchard finished apple picking, they all went back to the workshop ready to go home.

Everyone in the Growing Together group this week worked really hard to get lots of jobs done.

All in all a busy but productive day at the John Burns Centre

Thank you Rory for another great write up about the Growing Together group's activities. We all had another really productive day at the John Burns Foundation, it's definitely a busy time of year with lots of produce to harvest from the raised beds and polytunnel!

26/08/2025

🎉🐶 It’s National Dog Day! 🐶🎉
Time to celebrate the waggiest, woofiest, most wonderful companions in the world — our dogs! 💛

To mark the occasion, we’re throwing a PAW-some Photo Competition! 📸🐾
Whether your pup is a poser, a napper, a mud-roller, or a treat-chaser — we want to see them in all their glory!

🎁 WIN a FREE dog park session — a tail-wagging adventure full of sniffing, zoomies, and playtime with pals!

Here’s how to join the fun:
1️⃣ Snap a pic of your dog living their best life
2️⃣ Post it in the comments or tag us in your story
3️⃣ Use the hashtag
4️⃣ Follow our page so you don’t miss the winner reveal!

📅 Entries close: Friday 29th August 5pm
🏆 Winner announced: Monday 1st September 4pm

Let’s flood the feed with furry faces and happy tails! 🐕💥
Ready, set, snap that pup!

19/08/2025

✨ Discover What We Do at the John Burns Foundation ✨

Welcome to Burns Dog Adventure Park – where wagging tails meet wild adventures! 🐕🌳

We’re passionate about creating a safe, stimulating space where dogs can run free, explore, and just be dogs. Located in beautiful Kidwelly, our park is designed to support your dog’s physical and emotional wellbeing while giving you peace of mind. 💚

🌟 What Makes Us Special:
🏞️ Secure, Enclosed Fields – Two spacious areas for off-lead play
🧠 Sensory & Physical Play Zones – Climbing frames, digging pits, sniff trails & textured surfaces
🎯 Training-Friendly Environment – Perfect for recall practice & stress-free socialisation
🎁 Loyalty Rewards – Earn points with every visit & enjoy free sessions
🎉 Gift Cards Available – Treat your fellow dog lovers
🐾 Supporting a Cause – Every booking helps fund The John Burns Foundation

Whether you're here to train, connect, or simply let your dog zoom around with joy, 🐕💨 Burns Dog Adventure Park is the ultimate destination for tail-wagging fun and unforgettable memories! 🌟🐾

📅 Book your visit today: jbfdogadventurepark.simplybook.it
📍 Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire

14/08/2025

‼️Introduction to Canicross Workshop is coming to Kidwelly ‼️

28th of September, £45 per session for handler £20 for spectator.

At The John Burns Centre

The workshop will be taken by The very knowledgeable Emily Thomas from K9 Trail Time, Canicross is a great sport not only is this a good way to get fit and have fun with your dog, but also build a better bond.
You will learn all about the sport , you can have a go with your dog , try on kit, and even receive a little gift to go home with 🐾 🏃‍♀️

If you have any questions email Natasha@johnburnsfoundation.org or to secure your space 🐾

12/08/2025

✨ Discover What We Do at the John Burns Foundation ✨

We're proud to host our very own glamping site right here on the beautiful grounds of the John Burns Centre! Gwlad Glamping offers a luxury glamping experience like no other — and every stay supports a great cause! 💚

🏕️ 5 cosy glamping pods
🔥 2 with private wood-fired hot tubs
🐾 Dog-friendly options available
🌄 Surrounded by nature, near castles & coast
💖 All profits go to the John Burns Foundation, supporting people with additional needs and tackling social isolation.

You don’t have to travel far to make a difference — book a stay with us and support a charity rooted in your community! 🌟

📍 Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire
🔗 Book now: gwladglamping.com

11/08/2025

This is what the Growing Together group did at the John Burns Centre this week

Myself. Gareth, Christian and Brandon did some cooking in the kitchen of the John Burns Centre with Bridget and Kate,

This week we made from scratch home made sausage tray bake, with roasted veg, peas, gravy and baked potato with cheese.

Whilst myself, Gareth, Christian, and Brandon were doing cooking in the kitchen with Bridget and Kate, Wayne, Brendan, Aaron, Dai and Simon H went up to the orchard with Chris to do lots of apple picking,

Before lunch myself and Brandon went down to the workshop to prepare the table for lunch by putting out cutlery, and plates.

Once everyone in the orchard completed their work for the morning, they all went back to the workshop to have food.

Everyone really enjoyed their food very much,

During the lunch break, all the group including Chris, Bridget and Kate welcomed Rory back by presenting him with a gift and a cake.

After lunch, myself, Gareth, Brandon and Christian helped Kate and Bridget in the kitchen to wash, dry and clean up.
Meanwhile Wayne, Brendan, Dai, Aaron and Simon H went back outside with Chris to help him wash the apples thar were brought back from the apple picking session at the orchard.

Thank you for your Blog Rory and it was lovely to have you back and glad you are feeling better. Hope you enjoyed the cake!!

07/08/2025

✨ Discover What We Do at the John Burns Foundation ✨

Introducing Better Tomorrow, where we’re all about creating meaningful experiences that build self-esteem, foster connection, and reduce social isolation for children, young people, and adults.

Set in peaceful, nature-rich locations, our activities include:
🌼 Growing in our community garden & polytunnel
🍳 Cooking in our educational kitchen
🔨 Crafting & building in our workshop

Every session is designed with Fun, Communication, Teamwork, Meaningful Learning, Structure & Discipline, and Social Interaction at its core 💗

The organic nature of our programme means we can support intergenerational and multi-agency projects, working closely with the NHS, schools, youth services, and other charities to make a real difference.

💚 A Better Tomorrow starts today. Come see how we’re growing hope, skills, and community—one activity at a time.

30/07/2025

🌟 Discover What We Do at the John Burns Foundation! 🌟

At the John Burns Foundation, we believe every child deserves the chance to fall in love with reading — and our flagship project, Burns By Your Side, is making that happen across South Wales. 📚🐶

Through this unique scheme, children read aloud to fully trained Learning Support Dogs in a calm, non-judgmental space. These gentle companions help reduce anxiety, build confidence, and make reading fun again.

💬 “I used to be scared to read out loud, but now I love it because the dog listens and never laughs.” – Year 3 pupil, Swansea

💬 “My son’s reading has improved so much since joining the programme. He’s excited to go to school on reading days!” – Parent, Carmarthenshire

💬 “Reading with the dog makes me feel brave.” – Year 2 pupil, Pembrokeshire

With over 80 amazing volunteer teams visiting schools weekly, we’re proud to spread the magic of reading — one wagging tail and one story at a time. 💛

📸 Want to see the joy in action? Follow us for heartwarming updates and behind-the-scenes moments.

Address

Canolfan John Burns, Parc House
Kidwelly
SA175AB

Website

http://www.johnburnsfoundation.org/, http://www.gwladglamping.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The John Burns Foundation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to The John Burns Foundation:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Kidwelly?