CHILDREN and young people in the Isle of Man will be able to learn animal husbandry at the Island's first Community Farm following a donation from the Ann Harrison Trust.

The donation is part of a five year commitment to The Children's Centre which operates Wallberry Farm based on the Carnane Estate in Douglas.

The farm provides an opportunity for children and young people to learn about how to care for animals and how to grow crops as well as allowing them to gain skills in woodturning and metal work.

John Knight, the chief executive of The Children's Centre, said: "This generous donation over a period of five years enables the charity to get underway with the animal husbandry aspect of the Community Farm. 

"Animal husbandry activities are centred on caring for the selection of animals on the farm by getting involved in feeding, mucking out, cleaning and medical checks.

"We also plan to work in partnership with neighbouring farms to provide opportunities for interaction with larger-scale farming at busy times of the year, such as milking and lambing."

The Ann Harrison Trust was set up in memory of Ann who was a museum archivist. Trustee Colin Matthewman said: "Animals meant a lot to Ann and so this is a very appropriate project for the trust to be involved with."

The Community Farm is run by farm development officer Chrissy Cannell and farm activity worker Nigel Revill.