Ark Education Barn provides an opportunity for SEN children to engage with a variety of different animals in a safe, fun and educational way. We are based within an agricultural barn which provides the space needed for the activities we provide. However, in the winter months the agricultural barn can be very cold and although most of the children are happy to run around and stay warm, those of our visitors in wheelchairs feel the cold and are at a disadvantage. We aim to provide equal opportunities for all abilities and wish to further develop an encouraging environment during the winter months. A shepherds hut with wheelchair access and the comfort of a wood burning stove will allow wheelchair users to continue to visit and utilise all of our facilities in addition to having a warm environment that they can use for refreshments and continued activities.

What we'll deliver:

• A 6 meter shepherds hut with wheelchair access and a wood burning stove.

Why it's a great idea:

A shepherds hut will provide a suitable environment for wheelchair users in the winter months. It will also provide opportunities for all abilities to further develop life skills such as basic cooking. Due to the agricultural nature of our services wheelchair users would usually be at a disadvantage but we aim to develop facilities that allow a range of environments that will provide for all of our visitors irrespective of their physical and mental abilities. Our facilities aim to provide fun and safe education in animal welfare and husbandry for every family member, from grand parents to younger siblings.

Steps to get it done:

• Once we have 10% of our funding we can begin to build the Shepherds hut