A FARM which provides a transformational experience for disadvantaged youngsters has been nominated for a Wiltshire Community Pride Award.

Jamie’s Farm at Box, near Corsham, was founded by Jamie Feilden and his mum Trish in 2009 and has recently received a Wiltshire Community Foundation grant.

The charity takes troubled teenagers from mostly urban environments from all over the country and gives them a week working and playing on a working farm.

Surrounded by stunning scenery, they get the chance to eat nourishing food and sample a way of life far removed from their own.

Sarah Argyle, the charity’s spokesman, said: “We are hugely delighted to have been nominated for a Wiltshire Community Pride Award.

“We are about to celebrate 10 years of Jamie’s Farm and this recognition has come at a time of growth for the charity.”

In addition to the farm in Box, Jamie’s Farm has two others in Herefordshire and Monmouthshire and is soon to open another in Lewes in East Sussex.

In Box alone, Jamie’s Farm hosts visits by more than 1,000 children a year.

Mr Feilden was a teacher in Croydon and began bringing animals in from his parents’ smallholding in Warleigh, near Bath, to try and break through to troubled teens he was dealing with.

With the aid of some fundraising he and Trish brought 15-acre Hill Top Farm in Box and began converting into the working farm and education centre it is today.

Eight staff on site are responsible for delivering five days of freedom and exploration that often provides a catalyst for changes in attitudes and behaviour.

The youngsters are helped to see themselves in a new light, gain confidence and trust and go home better prepared to engage with school.

From the moment they rise at 8am and share a communal breakfast to the moment they gather together before bedtime at 9.30pm, the Jamie’s Farmers days are packed with activities.

Their daily work schedule includes feeding and caring for the farm animals, milking cows, collecting eggs, cooking, arts and crafts, long walks and story-telling.

They return home with a new-found confidence and a zest for life, brought about by the belief and the respect shown to them by the farm’s team.

Their teachers share the experience with them and often leave having seen previously troublesome pupils in a new light.

“We see such a positive impact in the young people that come here,” says Trish. “They will take from here experiences and feelings that will stay with them.”

“They will be more willing to help mum at home, they will have the confidence to put their hands up in class.

Nominations are still open for the Wiltshire Community Pride Awards. including the Lifesaver Award, Good Samaritan Award, Courage Award, Charity Champion Award, Volunteer Award, Hero Award, Achiever Award, Carer Award and the Environment Award.To nominate, please visit www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/pride and follow the instructions. Nominations close on September 16.