New Warlands Farm in County Durham, owned by the North East Autism Society (NEAS), is a 77-acre site that has become more than just a vocational training centre; it’s a community and a vital support system for autistic adults and their families. Here, individuals gain hands-on skills in woodworking, floristry, horticulture, and textiles.

From its training centre, New Warlands Farm began producing eggs, apple juice, and cider, however, NEAS has a deeper ambition to transform the farm into a fully operational, working farm that also serves as a visitor centre. Work began in 2023 when planning permission was granted to build out this vision, with plans for a cidery, café, and farm shops on site.

At the heart of New Warlands’ mission is tackling the low employment rates among autistic adults; only around 3 in 10 autistic individuals of working age are employed, the lowest rate across all disabled groups. This lack of opportunity contributes to poverty, isolation, and health challenges. New Warlands Farm aims to change that by offering practical agricultural training, work placements, and job opportunities to around 60 autistic adults each year.

Leading this transformation is Dave Wilde, who joined the farm part-time in September 2023 and became a full-time Farm Manager in early 2024. With a passion for sustainable, regenerative farming and rare breed livestock, Dave brings valuable experience to the role.

Dave commented: “We have a vision of high-welfare, ethical farming with nature in mind. It’s all to make a positive impact on the lives of autistic people, teaching them about farming and agriculture and helping them move towards meaningful employment.”

Under Dave’s supervision, traditional hay meadows are being planted, rare Whitefaced Woodland sheep have been introduced, and wetland habitats are being created to help boost numbers of endangered water voles.

The Polaris Ranger: A Perfect Partner for Inclusive Farming

A major new addition to New Warlands Farm this year has been the Polaris Ranger Diesel, a vehicle that has quickly become indispensable to the team. Introduced to Polaris by Kevin Davies from Davies Tractors, Dave immediately knew it was the right choice. “I tried a few utility vehicles, but none could match the Ranger’s speed, tight turning radius, or rugged build,” he recalls. The Ranger tackles New Warlands’ varied terrain with ease, taking on tasks that would otherwise be impossible.

“As a charity, we have a range of passengers–from our residents, visitors and of course our staff–so safety is our top priority,” Dave continued. “The Ranger gives us that peace of mind, and it’s comfortable for multiple passengers, making it ideal for our work.”

A True Workhorse for Daily Farm Life

Whether it’s moving feed and tools or tending to the animals, the Ranger Diesel is ready for anything. Dave relies on it daily to transport essentials like logs, seed, and fencing materials, and he appreciates the Ranger’s impressive towing capability. With a one-ton trailer in tow, the Ranger handles wood chip, compost, and fence posts with ease, as well as smaller trailers for moving livestock around the farm. Looking ahead to winter, Dave is set to use the Ranger’s towable salt spreader to keep paths and parking areas clear of ice, ensuring safe access all season long.

The farm has big plans for the Ranger’s role in the future, too. When New Warlands opens as a farm park, the team hopes to use the Ranger to offer tours around the site.

“We’ve been using it to take trustees, placement visitors, and corporate guests around, and it’s perfect for that,” Dave explains. “In time, we want to attach a people carrier trailer so we can bring larger groups to see our rare breeds and learn about what we do here.”

With wetter weather becoming a frequent challenge, the Polaris Ranger proves its worth time and time again.

“New Warlands gets very wet, but the Ranger can handle the mud without tearing up the ground,” Dave notes. “It’s fuel-efficient, tough, and adaptable to all kinds of weather, making it ideal for a farm with such a wide range of needs. We’ve also added full doors for extra protection from the weather on rainy days, and being able to fully open the windscreen on hot days is a great feature, too!”

For New Warlands Farm, the Ranger isn’t just a utility vehicle; it’s a partner in building an inclusive, sustainable future. Together, they’re creating a place where autistic adults can learn, grow, and connect with the land.

For more information on the North East Autism Society click here.

For more information on the Ranger Diesel visit: www.polarisbritain.com/ranger/ranger-diesel.