Sheffield's Whirlow Hall Farm Trust Opens New Outdoor Classroom for Young People

Children and young people in Sheffield are set to benefit from a brand-new outdoor classroom at Whirlow Hall Farm Trust, which officially opened on 24th June 2026. This exciting addition aims to provide hands-on learning experiences, promote wellbeing, and encourage a deeper connection with nature. The outdoor classroom is designed specifically for those who face challenges due to health issues, learning disabilities, or trauma, offering them a chance to step outside traditional classroom settings and engage in a unique learning environment.

Transformative Learning Space

The outdoor classroom serves as a transformative space where young people can build confidence and develop essential life skills while enjoying the great outdoors. At Whirlow Hall Farm, students can focus on reducing anxiety and building trusted relationships, all while re-engaging with education and working towards achieving qualifications. This initiative is particularly important, as it addresses the growing mental health crisis among young people, giving them a supportive environment to thrive in.

Community Support

This project has come to fruition thanks to the support of several generous partners. B. Braun was the first organisation to back the outdoor classroom's vision, becoming its leading partner and playing a crucial role in generating momentum for the project. Additional significant funding was provided by Graham and Susan Royle and GRI Group, whose contributions were pivotal in bringing the outdoor classroom to life. Furthermore, Galliford Try generously donated groundwork and access path works, enhancing the development of the site.

Karina Windle, Senior Projects Assistant at B. Braun, expressed her pride in supporting the project:

“From the moment we heard the vision, we could see the positive impact it would have on children and young people across the region. It has been wonderful to see that vision become a reality, and we look forward to seeing the difference this space makes for many years to come.”

Benefits of Outdoor Learning

The new outdoor classroom is not just a structure; it represents a valuable opportunity for children to engage in meaningful outdoor learning throughout the year. This space is expected to make a lasting difference for thousands of children in the region. Graham Royle, a lead sponsor of the project, noted,

“The farm provides a unique environment where young people can learn, build confidence and develop important life skills, and this new space will help extend that impact for many years to come.”

Sarah Kerrigan, Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager at Whirlow Hall Farm Trust, highlighted the importance of the outdoor classroom:

“It is an investment in the future of the children and young people we support. By providing a dedicated, all-weather environment for outdoor learning, we can help more young people build confidence, develop new skills, and experience the benefits of connecting with nature.”

Whirlow Hall Farm's Mission

Whirlow Hall Farm Trust is dedicated to empowering young people facing mental health challenges. The organisation provides a sense of belonging and support, helping them navigate a world where many feel anxious, disconnected, or hopeless. The farm celebrates every achievement of its young visitors, ensuring they leave with confidence and excitement for their futures.

The programmes offered at Whirlow are tailored to meet the diverse needs of children and young people, including those with medical and mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and difficult personal circumstances. Activities on the farm are designed to be engaging and fun, with each young person having specific goals to work towards.

Educational Programmes

Whirlow Hall Farm offers alternative educational programmes known as Whirlow LIFE (Learning In a Farming Environment). These programmes cater to students aged between 11 and 18, particularly those with complex needs such as Autism and ADHD. By collaborating with local schools like Becton and Kenwood, Whirlow ensures that children who struggle in traditional educational settings have access to tailored learning experiences that promote engagement and progression.

For young adults over 18 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the farm provides longer-term support, boasting a remarkable retention rate of 96%. This indicates that many of the young people find comfort and belonging at Whirlow. Notably, 93% of participants report maintaining or improving their mental and social wellbeing while working towards personal targets set in their Education, Health, and Care Plans.

The outdoor classroom at Whirlow Hall Farm Trust is a significant step forward in providing young people with the tools they need to succeed. As the facility opens its doors to the community, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping the futures of many, allowing them to connect with nature, develop essential life skills, and build confidence in a supportive environment.