The Ranch

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The Ranch At the Ranch we offer an opportunity for outdoor learning and animal assisted intervention across 3 key sites.

Weymouth (Coombe Valley and The Ranch Sanctuary)
At Portland (Navigator Park and our unique Reptile centre)
Bridport (Bell Farm Stables).

BUILDYes you feel broken,And you can’t see a way to reassemble.But let me tell you this, you will break again, and you w...
19/10/2026

BUILD

Yes you feel broken,
And you can’t see a way to reassemble.
But let me tell you this,
you will break again,
and you will feel like this again,
and really the only good news here,
is that each time you will come back.
You will reassemble,
you will rebuild.
And each time you do break,
you will become a bit stronger too,
the glue you use gets better every time,
that’s wisdom for you.
And the more you do break,
the more you get to choose,
which parts of you to keep,
and which parts of you you leave on the floor.
You rebuild more wisely each time,
You streamline,
You start designing your own build.
And that’s pretty awesome.

So, you feel broken now my friend,
I know.
You are.
But you will pick those pieces up,
and you will come back to us,
better,
though you were already so very much enough.

Don’t fear the breaks in this life,
they are as much a part of it as breathing.

Become a master builder instead.

Donna Ashworth
:

LET THEMLet them arguelet them fight let them think they are right let them gossiplet them rage let them build themselv...
18/10/2026

LET THEM
Let them argue
let them fight
let them think
they are right

let them gossip
let them rage
let them build
themselves a cage

let them judge
let them talk
let them walk
the way they walk

let them laugh
behind your back
they cannot push you
from your track

let them steal
each other’s joy
let them silence
virtue’s voice

let them wrestle
for the throne
let them pick flesh
from their bones

but of all
you let them do
do not let them
alter you

keep your focus
on the sky
and all the beauty
you pass by

stay within
your well-built walls
and answer only
worthy calls

let them lie
if they must
it’s yourself
you need to trust.


•
Donna_Ashworth



WILDLINGSThis goes out to those raising the wild onesthe not to be tamed the rare the recklessand the preciousyou are sh...
16/10/2026

WILDLINGS

This goes out to those raising
the wild ones

the not to be tamed
the rare
the reckless
and the precious

you are shaping stardust
into human form

minding moonlight
till it’s ready to instruct the tides
and light the nights

do not expect the world to see
your diamond in the rough
sparkle

not yet
they cannot

but one day
they will be unable
to take their eyes away
from its shine

to the mamas of the wild ones

you are star gatherers
moon catchers
and dream shapers

and you are exhausted

but shaping starlight
into human form
was always going to be tough…

and you are.

Donna Ashworth




Good news!If you're currently laying around and not producing anything,you are a credit to your species.You are an omniv...
16/10/2026

Good news!
If you're currently laying around and not producing anything,
you are a credit to your species.

You are an omnivore,
a predator,
and a pretty big one at that.
You are not a bee or an ant.

It is,
in fact,
normal for you to just want to lay around not producing anything.

You're a mammal.
Stop judging yourself for not being a hive insect.

But, you know what?

Ant biologists point out that ants also spend a significant percentage of the time doing nothing anyway.

Turns out,
sometimes the most evolutionary useful thing you can do is chill and not wear yourself to shreds,
whether mammal or insect.

It helps you deal with emergencies and adapt to change.
Plus,
you can act as living food storage!

That last part is probably more an ant thing than a human thing,
but hey,
live your dreams.

Source: Spookybritches Jules and
curlicuecal



Why we should get outside ….We all have mental health and it is as important as our physical health. When our mental hea...
15/10/2026

Why we should get outside ….

We all have mental health and it is as important as our physical health.
When our mental health is good, we feel emotionally well, able to look after ourselves and able to engage with the things that we care about.

When we struggle with our mental health, we can feel overwhelmed and unable to cope, which can make it difficult to manage in our daily lives.

There are lots of ways in which spending time in nature can be positive for our mental health and wellbeing.

From gaining a sense of peace and a boost to our self-esteem, to improved concentration and the psychological restoration.

New and exciting research is happening all the time that adds to our understanding of how our natural environment affects the health of our bodies and minds.

Across multiple studies, researchers have found a fascinating link between access to green space, such as fields, forests, parks and gardens, and a reduced risk of mental health problems, improved mood, and increased life satisfaction. Other benefits include reduced stress, increased physical activity, and better physical health.

Whatever the weather try and spend some time outside even if just for a few minutes

15/10/2026

Outdoor Learning and Forest School. Today was all about warm fresh bread and honey butter !

Integrated Learning Opportunities

Cooking over a campfire allows you to sneak several educational subjects into a highly engaging activity:
• Science: Explore the fire triangle (oxygen, fuel, heat). Children can test different wood species (e.g., oak vs. pine) to investigate their burning properties and charcoal-producing capabilities.
• Design & Technology (Tool Use): Teach children how to safely use potato peelers or knives using tool safety frameworks like NACHPPUFM (Name, Annotate, Check, Handle, PPE, Purpose, Use, Finish, Maintain) to prep their own cooking sticks.
• Maths & Life Skills: Measuring ingredients, managing ratios (such as managing adult-to-child safety supervision ratios), and timing how long different types of heat take to cook food.

What did you do today ?



You never know what you might see at The Ranch Weymouth .... . Being outside makes us happier, less stressed, more creat...
14/10/2026

You never know what you might see at The Ranch Weymouth .... .

Being outside makes us happier, less stressed, more creative, and more socially connected. It can improve short-term memory and focus, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, fight against anxiety and depression, and boost our overall immune systems.

Importantly, being out can be fun too ! 💚

HERE’S TO THE FRIENDS (Tribe)Here’s to the friends, who give us grace to cancel the plans we made, when we were a differ...
14/10/2026

HERE’S TO THE FRIENDS (Tribe)

Here’s to the friends,
who give us grace to cancel the plans we made, when we were a different version of ourselves.

Here’s to the friends,
who never say ‘I told you so’ but instead, sit down and get comfortable, to hear the entire story they predicted already.

Here’s to the friends,
who send little videos of the things they know bring basic joy to your day.

Here’s to the friends,
who have our secrets in their pocket, and keep them safely guarded.

Here’s to the friends,
who show up for the happy, and the sad.
And see the importance in both.

Here’s to the friends,
we just could not be without, on this rollercoaster ride.

Here’s to the friends,
who bring in light, when light is scarce.

Here’s to you,
and here’s to them,
we’re blessed indeed,
to have that friend.

Donna Ashworth



1000 hours outside Being outdoors is fun, but even more importantly, it’s good for the brain, body, and soul. Here are s...
13/10/2026

1000 hours outside

Being outdoors is fun, but even more importantly, it’s good for the brain, body, and soul. Here are some scientific reasons why you should get up close and personal with Mother Nature.

1. BEING OUTDOORS BOOSTS YOUR ENERGY.

Craving another cup of coffee? Maybe you should skip the caffeine and sit outside instead. One study suggests that spending 20 minutes in the open air gives your brain an energy boost comparable to one cup of coffee.

2. IT FEELS EASIER TO EXERCISE OUTDOORS.

Does it seem noticeably easier to exercise outside? This might be thanks to your surroundings. In one small study, researchers had cyclists pedal in front of green, grey, and red video footage. The bikers who exercised in front of the green reported feeling less physical exertion and more positive moods—meaning that grass, trees, and plants might add a psychological energy boost to your workout.



🌿 LOVE THE OUTDOORS? WANT TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE? 🌿🐾 Come and be part of something exceptional and join our tribe We’...
13/10/2026

🌿 LOVE THE OUTDOORS? WANT TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE? 🌿

🐾 Come and be part of something exceptional and join our tribe

We’re looking for passionate, enthusiastic people to join our incredible team at a therapeutic provision changing the lives of young people across Dorset.

🌳 No two days are the same! From outdoor adventures and hands-on learning to working with animals (and sometimes without!), you’ll help young people grow in confidence, discover their strengths and thrive.

📍 Opportunities across Portland, Weymouth & Bridport

💚 If you love the outdoors, enjoy thinking creatively and want to make a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you!

✨ Be part of an exceptional team. Inspire young people. Change lives.

Ready for an adventure with purpose? Get in touch to find out more! and paste the link in the comments to a browser to apply.

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