Brafferton In Motion

The Future of Five Acres: Brafferton

At Five Acres we have always dreamed big, and Brafferton is where those dreams are coming to life. While our first site at ROF59 in Aycliffe Industrial Estate gave us the roots we needed to grow, Brafferton is the field where our vision will truly flourish.

This special five-acre site — the very inspiration for our name — is being transformed into a vibrant community space built on inclusion, independence, and sustainability. It is more than just land; it is the beginning of a legacy for generations to come.

How it began

On July 13th, 2022, our dream took a huge step forward when planning permission was granted. From that moment, Brafferton became more than a vision on paper — it became a mission we were determined to achieve.

What we have achieved so far

Since breaking ground, our journey has been filled with incredible milestones, each made possible by the unwavering support of families, businesses, and kind-hearted individuals who believe in what we are building:

• Safety first – A full security fence was installed, funded by parents, carers, local businesses, and proudly sponsored by LightRockPower, a sustainable energy company.

• A home for animals – Our residents now include Bailey, a beautiful horse rescued through Blue Cross Animal Rescue, four lambs who have since grown into sheep, two mischievous pygmy goats, and a family of rabbits. These animals are not just residents — they are teachers, companions, and friends to everyone who visits.

• A hub for the community – Thanks to an incredible effort, we transported a modular building onto the land and began transforming it into a community hub and school. Inside, it has been lovingly painted and decorated, with a brand-new kitchen installed by David Ewin from Livin. It is already becoming a place filled with laughter, learning, and life.

Our site manager

At the heart of Brafferton is Andy, our dedicated Site Manager. Andy oversees the land, the animals, and the day-to-day running of Brafferton, ensuring everything is safe, welcoming, and thriving. His passion, hard work, and care are helping turn Brafferton into the home we always dreamed it could be.

Our vision for tomorrow

Brafferton will grow into a safe and inclusive environment where adults with additional needs can learn new skills, build confidence, and enjoy the rewards of animal care, horticulture, and independence. Powered by sustainable energy and fuelled by community spirit, this site will stand as a beacon of what is possible when people come together for a shared dream.

And this is just the beginning

Every fence post, every brush stroke of paint, every animal welcomed through our gates brings us closer to the future we are building. None of this would be possible without the kindness and belief of our supporters. From the bottom of our hearts — thank you.

Together, we are creating something extraordinary. Brafferton is not just a field. It is hope. It is opportunity. It is the future of Five Acres.