Creating a farm where everyone belongs

The journey began in 2019, when the family set out to find a smallholding where they could build their business and dream lifestyle. After spending a year exploring Cornwall, they eventually discovered what is now called Harlings, in Bere Alston, Yelverton.

“From the beginning, our vision was to create somewhere that felt welcoming, supportive and connected to the countryside and community around us,” explains Abbie.

“My background is in business and animal care provision, Will is an experienced arable and livestock farmer, and our son Daniel has an incredible way with animals and engineering. But we always knew we wanted to build more than just a traditional farm and combine our love of farming, animals and supporting people.”

The family transformed the farm carefully respecting its heritage and natural surroundings. Existing farm buildings were renovated and made fully accessible for those with mobility issues, while accessible tracks were introduced through nine acres of mature woodland. Alongside their mixed farm of heritage breeds, they developed a secure private dog field for hire, canine care services, a campsite and equine livery.

Most recently, the family has opened a farm shop and café focused on local, sustainable and fresh produce, using ingredients from the farm and nearby suppliers wherever possible.

At the centre of everything they do is a strong sense of family teamwork. “Being a family farm means everyone plays a part and takes pride in what we do,” says Will. “It’s our home as well as our workplace.”

Day-to-day life sees every member of the family involved, whether caring for livestock, maintaining the land or supporting visitors. Daniel jokes he “just fixes everything Will breaks”, but together they have built a business where everyone contributes their own strengths.

Like many farming families, the Richardsons have faced their share of challenges. Alongside the physical and financial pressures of farming, the family has also experienced the realities of neurodiversity and mental health struggles.

“Instead of hiding it, we’ve let it shape the farm into something more understanding and inclusive, creating a space that now supports other people facing their own challenges,” Abbie explains. “It’s pushed us to think differently about what a farm can offer, and how we can best support people.”

Those experiences inspired the creation of Daniel’s Ride CIC, a community interest company which provides a safe and welcoming environment for people with disabilities and additional needs. The farm now works with individuals, groups and organisations, offering educational and therapeutic experiences centred around animals and nature.

“We wanted to offer a space where people feel safe and accepted,” Abbie says. “We’ve seen people arrive anxious or unsure and, over time, start to relax just by being around the animals or in nature.

“Protecting rare breeds and maintaining high standards of animal welfare is really important to us, but it’s also amazing to see the connection people build with the animals through the work we do on the farm.”

As well as supporting visitors, Harlings has adapted its working environment to support its team. Many of the farm’s staff are neurodivergent, have a disability, or have personal experience of this, and the Richardsons say this has helped shape a workplace built around empathy, flexibility and supporting people to thrive in their own way.

“We try to keep things calm, structured and supportive, and we take the time to help people learn at their own pace,” explains Abbie. “It’s about patience and understanding more than anything else.”

Balancing farming, diversification and community work is not without its challenges, but the family says every part of the business is connected through a shared purpose.

“The education and therapeutic work, and the café, are built around the farm so it all links together,” says Abbie. “There are hard days, but it’s something we all believe in and feel incredibly passionate about.

Looking ahead, the family’s ambitions remain focused on sustainability, inclusion and protecting what they have built.

“We’re not looking to grow for the sake of it,” explains Will. “It’s about taking the time to do things the right way and supporting people and animals as best as we can.”

Being shortlisted for the Devon Farm Business Awards has been a proud moment for the family and recognition of everything they have worked towards together.

“We don’t do what we do for recognition, so to be nominated – let alone shortlisted – is something we’re really proud of. It feels like what we are doing has been noticed, which is special for all of us as a family.”