Compassion in action, always

OUR KEY CHARITIES

FARMLINK EDUCATION PROJECT

Since 2014, we’ve been proud to run our own education project through Farmlink, a food and farming education charity. At Packington Free Range, we believe it’s vital that children understand where their food comes from, how it’s produced, and the importance of caring for the environment that sustains us all.

Each year, we welcome over 8,000 children to take part in engaging, hands-on learning experiences — both through on-farm visits and in-school sessions during the winter months — ensuring that every child has access to the full farm-to-fork journey.

During their visits, children explore the farm, discover how animals are raised and crops are grown, and learn how thoughtful, responsible farming supports biodiversity and sustainability. They get to see firsthand how the food on their plates connects to the soil beneath their feet.

So far, the project has reached almost 60,000 children, helping to foster curiosity, respect, and responsibility for food and the natural world.

At the heart of our education work lies a belief perfectly captured by Sir David Attenborough:

“No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”

By giving young people the chance to experience farming up close, we’re helping to nurture a generation that truly cares about the future of food, farming, and our planet.

Education Project>

FARM FRESH REVOLUTION

Founded in 2017, Farm Fresh Revolution is on a mission to educate and inspire families and children to eat well, cook from scratch, and make healthier choices for life.

We believe that cooking with fresh, whole ingredients empowers families to take control of their diet, budget, and wellbeing — while reducing waste and the reliance on processed foods. Cooking at home is often cheaper, healthier, and a great way for families to spend time together and inspire even the fussiest eaters to try something new.

Since launching, we’ve delivered over 65,000 bags of produce, equating to more than 800,000 individual meals — supporting families and children across local communities.

Each week during term time, we buy fresh food directly from local farmers, load it into our refrigerated vans, and set up market stalls at primary schools. Run by passionate volunteers, these stalls provide affordable produce, easy recipes, and simple cooking tips — helping parents make healthier choices and encouraging children to swap sweets for fruit.

Together, we’re connecting families to food, supporting local producers, and helping the next generation rediscover the joy of real, home-cooked meals.

Farm Fresh Revolution>

PATSHULL ACTIVITY CENTRE

Scouting has been part of the Patshull Park Estate for over a century — with camps taking place there since 1912. A formal lease was established with the Earl of Dartmouth in 1946, securing the Scouts’ presence on this historic site.

Following the Earl’s death in 1958, the lease passed to The Crown Estate, and the Scouts were later given notice when the estate was put up for sale.

In 2020, the Mercer family purchased the estate and ensured the Scouts could continue their legacy by approving a new lease and providing a generous financial donation. This vital support has given the activity centre long-term stability and the opportunity to expand and improve its facilities for future generations.

Today, the Patshull Park Activity Centre welcomes youth organisations from across the country, offering camping and outdoor activities in a safe and beautiful environment. Each year, the site hosts approximately 6,500 overnight stays and nearly 3,000 participants — giving thousands of young people a combined 384,482 hours away from screens, immersed in the great outdoors and all the adventures it brings.

Building on this success, we are now supporting the centre to replicate the Education Project on the estate. This will allow young people from the local community to experience the site firsthand, learn about the farm-to-fork journey, and deepen their connection with nature — inspiring the next generation to explore, discover, and grow.

Patshull Activity Centre>

KIDS’ VILLAGE

Kids’ Village will be the UK’s first purpose-built holiday village designed exclusively for seriously ill children and their families to enjoy together.

The village will feature ten four-bedroom lodges and a central community hub called “The Hive”, supporting around 500 families — more than 4,000 people — each year.

These lodges will be a place for families to relax, reconnect, and create special memories surrounded by nature. Nestled in the heart of the English countryside, each lodge will even offer a beautiful sunset view — a true breath of fresh air.

Before building could begin, however, a home for the project was needed — and this is where the Mercer family stepped in. Their donation of land has turned the dream of Kids’ Village into a reality.

This gift not only provides the physical space for the village but also stands as a symbol of hope and commitment to the children and families it will serve. It lays the foundation — both literally and figuratively — for construction, development, and the realisation of the charity’s inspiring vision.

Kid’s Village>

WE’VE PROUDLY SUPPORTED