Marsden Makers Visit Briercliffe Farm

Tammy Quinn / 23 April 2025 / Categories: General

The Marsden Makers recently enjoyed an inspiring visit to Briercliffe Farm in Blacko, coordinated by Cathy Hopley from the Pennine Lancashire Community Farm.

The working sheep farm is nestled in the Forest of Bowland and provided an exciting opportunity for the group to gain a unique insight into rural business and sustainable farming.

The Marsden Makers, a group of enthusiastic Year 8 pupils with a passion for crafting, recycling, and sustainability, were treated to an action-packed day. The visit included a full tour of the farm and its eco projects, hands-on sheep feeding, and even counting sheep’s teeth, before capping off the experience with a fun farm buggy ride!

Formed in September, the Marsden Makers have been busy engaging in community upcycling projects, transforming second-hand finds from charity shops and car boot sales into valuable creations to fund future initiatives.

Mr Hussain, Senior Youth and Community Worker, said:

“This project is all about creating opportunities for young people to engage with local businesses and groups in the community, and developing them as independent and creative individuals. Our main aim is to empower them with entrepreneurial, team and communication skills.”

Artist Rob St John, from Discover Bowland, has also teamed up with Marsden Makers to offer our young people an opportunity to explore and be inspired by the countryside on our doorstep. Rob has led art workshops at school, including nest building, to encourage pupils to see the countryside in new and imaginative ways.

Discover Bowland, is owned by Champion Bowland, a charity committed to conserving, protecting and improving the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, continues to support these enriching experiences for young people.

Next up for the Marsden Makers is a trip to Dunsop Bridge, a picturesque village known as the geographic centre of the UK. This promises to be another memorable outing in the heart of the countryside.