As we come to the end of the year, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you. Like many others, this year has brought its share of highs and lows for us at Harlings. It has been challenging at times, but it has also been full of moments that remind us why we do what we do.
Whether you’ve taken part in one of our competitions, visited the private hire secure field or gym, or supported us by sharing our social media posts, your support has meant so much – we are incredibly grateful to everyone!
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to continue working with you all and to welcome you to our Kitchen and Farm Shop, which will be opening next year. While it hasn’t been the easiest project (turns out creating a café and shop from seven shipping containers is no small task!), the progress made by the team has been something we’re very proud of!
Some of our highlights from the year include:
- One of our British Shorthair pedigree cats welcomed a beautiful litter of kittens, all of whom have now found loving homes. We even have a waiting list for a hopeful 2026 litter.
- Welcoming 25 groups of young people for education and wellbeing visits.
- A record-breaking number of visitors to our private hire secure field (with some of you travelling from far and wide, including London!) and the launch of our new ‘Paw-Seasons’ competitions.
- With the support of Bere Alston in Bloom and Bere Ferrers Parish Council, we were honoured to receive a Silver Gilt Small Business Award from Britain in Bloom.
- Seeing many new faces in the private hire gym, welcoming our first overseas campsite visitors, and catching up with familiar faces returning again.
- Celebrating a birthday party on the farm with the help of our Shetland ponies, and joining in the fun at the Bere Alston Victorian Evening.
- Taking part in three local tractor runs in the past week, helping to raise money for charity.
- Welcoming a very special new team member – our kind and gentle therapy dog, Bailey!
Alongside Harlings, we’ve also made progress with our Community Interest Company, Daniel’s Ride CIC:
- We are now an Accredited Centre for TQUK for Functional Skills Maths and English (Levels 1 and 2).
- We are ASDAN approved for accredited certificated courses.
- We are an AQA Centre for Unit Award Schemes.
- We are now accepting referrals for education and training, therapeutic green care, and wellbeing sessions.
- As we move into the new year, we’ll also be seeking donations, sponsors and looking for funding opportunities to help us grow and support more people. If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch at info@danielsride.org.uk.
Thank you for sticking with us through a year that’s been tough at times, but full of hope and progress too.
From all of us at Harlings and Daniel’s Ride CIC, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
PS. Our Christmas tractor image was generated with AI – there’s absolutely no way we’d be making hay in the snow (or decorating it with Christmas lights!)
