Place-based work. Shared purpose. Real-world impact.
At Eat Sleep Ride, community engagement isn’t just something we do — it’s who we are.
Our site is a living, working example of what can be created when people come together with purpose. Over the past six years, a reclaimed landfill has been transformed into a thriving equine, wellbeing, environmental and community hub, shaped by volunteers, families, young people, partners and local residents.
Everything here is designed to be used, not just observed. Community engagement at Eat Sleep Ride is practical, inclusive and relational — built around shared work, care, creativity and connection.
Celebrating Scottish Refugee week and LGBTQ+ Leap Festival
Growing, Nature & Land-Based Projects
Our polytunnel, garden and outdoor spaces are active learning environments at the heart of the site.
They support:
- food growing and sustainability
- biodiversity, rewilding and species protection
- wellbeing through outdoor activity, routine and connection
Work in these spaces directly contributes to pond maintenance, habitat care and species protection, supporting the wildlife that lives on site.
How this benefits individuals and groups
- Young people develop confidence, responsibility and practical skills
- Adults experience calm, purpose and routine through hands-on activity
- Community groups reconnect with nature in accessible, supported ways
How you can get involved
- Fund or sponsor growing and biodiversity projects
- Offer or access placements and supported activities
- Partner on environmental education or wellbeing sessions
- Volunteer in the garden, polytunnel or outdoor spaces
Event Space, Activities & Partnerships
Eat Sleep Ride operates as a flexible community and event space, designed for meaningful use.
Our site can host:
- training days and workshops
- consultations and engagement events
- wellbeing days, retreats and reflective gatherings
- funded and free community events
For larger events, we work with an external accommodation provider and can support on-site camping, alongside campfire and outdoor cooking facilities.
How this benefits groups
- Accessible rural space for meaningful gatherings
- Reduced barriers for groups who struggle with traditional venues
- Safe, inclusive environments for connection and learning
How partners can use the space
- Hire or partner on use of the site
- Co-deliver events, training or engagement activity
- Sponsor or support free and subsidised community events
Biofuel & Sustainability Projects
We are actively developing our biofuel project, turning waste materials into usable fuel while creating learning, placement and engagement opportunities.
This work supports:
- environmental responsibility
- circular economy learning
- practical, hands-on skills development
How this benefits participants
- Real-world learning around sustainability and climate action
- Skills development through practical participation
- Visible environmental impact within the community
How partners can support
- Fund or sponsor the biofuel project
- Offer placements or learning opportunities
- Collaborate on sustainability and climate-focused initiatives
Horses, Riding & Equine-Informed Work
Horses are central to how we support people at Eat Sleep Ride.
We provide:
- riding tuition
- reflective one-to-one sessions
- group activity days
- equine-informed wellbeing and learning experiences
Groups can attend for day visits or structured programmes, often combining horses with garden, outdoor and creative activities.
How this benefits individuals and groups
- Increased confidence, emotional regulation and communication
- Engagement for people who struggle in classroom-based settings
- Safe, non-judgemental learning through experience
How this can be accessed
- Referrals for individuals or groups
- Commissioned sessions and programmes
- Group days combining horses, nature and outdoor skills
Education, Awards & Progressive Pathways
Eat Sleep Ride offers progressive pathways, not one-off experiences.
These include:
- Youth Awards
- Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) progression
- British Horse Society (BHS) pathways
- alternative education placements
- work experience and employability support
Young people can continue with us months after completing Youth Awards, gaining further credits, experience and confidence through supported progression.
How this benefits learners
- Clear progression routes for young people
- Accredited and non-accredited learning opportunities
- Real-world experience linked to future pathways
How partners can engage
- Refer learners for alternative education or placements
- Support progression through funding or mentoring
- Collaborate on accredited or skills-based programmes
Community Events, Consultation & Training
We run an active training and events diary, which includes:
- funded community sessions
- free open-access events
- consultation and engagement activity
- commissioned training and facilitation
Events range from creative engagement and outdoor play-therapy-style skills, to structured training and consultation with communities and organisations.
How this benefits communities
- Voices are heard in safe, welcoming environments
- Engagement happens in ways that suit different needs
- Learning is practical, relational and inclusive
How this can be used
- Commission consultation or engagement activity
- Co-design training or events
- Use the space to host conversations that matter
Our Impact on the Ground
- Over 150 community members reached annually
- Estimated 900 of volunteer hours supporting animals, gardens and site care yearly
- Inclusive access for people with disabilities, neurodivergence and low income
- Biodiversity improvements through rewilding and pollinator planting
- Cross-border partnerships from locally , nationally and beyond
Why This Work Matters
In rural areas, isolation can be invisible but devastating. Eat Sleep Ride creates spaces where people can show up exactly as they are — and still belong.
By bringing together horses, land, skills, creativity and people, we create opportunities for wellbeing, education, environmental responsibility and connection.
This site is designed to be used, shared and collaborated with — because connection is where change begins.
“You don’t have to fix everything. Just start with connection — the rest grows from there.”