Like many kids who grew up on a farm, Mike Duxbury had a lifelong passion for raising animals and growing crops.
But after losing his sight due to glaucoma at the age of six, he was told a career in agriculture was out of the question.
It was like “a red rag for a bull”, he said, and he went on to gain a degree in animal nutrition and set up a farm in Bedfordshire.
Now the 57-year-old is developing a farm in Aberdeenshire to help disabled young people get into farming.
The main farm building, designed with Lego bricks, will house a classroom, a workshop and space for handling animals.
As a teenager living on the family farm in Worcestershire, Mike applied to multiple courses but only gained a place at one agricultural university.
“The rest is history,” he told BBC News Scotland.
“I had a great time. I was no longer that blind man in isolation, I was Mike.
“It changed my life. I finally knew I was normal.”
agricultural diversity
After earning his degree, he found a diversified job with a communications company and then returned to agriculture.
He and his wife Ness set up an inclusive farm in Bedfordshire from scratch a few years ago.
But after giving a speech on agricultural diversity at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh in 2023, he is “full of interest” in building something in Scotland.
“I jokingly said ‘give me a farm then’.”
Subsequently, the MacRobert Trust, which supports charities across the UK, provided him with a 22-acre farm at Newton of Drummy, Taran.
“It was pretty run-down and we’ve turned it around.”
Aberdeenshire farm building designed with Lego bricks [Mike Duxbury]
His original Lego design for the Farmer Building was 10 bricks tall and required hundreds of bricks to complete.
The actual building currently being constructed on site by Rothienorman company RPD is approximately 105ft (32m) long, 40ft (12m) wide and 15ft (4.5m) high, with the company also donating a ram to the project.
“They took photos of my models and we did it together,” Mike said. “The floor plan was built by the builder.
“They’re brilliant – most companies would run a mile.
“I did joke that it would be cheaper to build it out of Legos.
“It shows how a blind person can collaborate with someone to create something.”
Widened paths, smooth floors and handrails will help people with disabilities get around.
Mike said knowing the safety of his surroundings can help people like him find their way out with confidence.
Mike is proud of the building, which is based on a Lego model [BBC]
It will be primarily a livestock and agricultural farm, currently housing five beef cattle and a small flock of sheep.
This is followed by pigs, chickens and goats, as well as smaller breeds such as rabbits, for those who are not used to handling animals.
The polytunnel used for gardening work is equipped with height-adjustable equipment to suit wheelchair users and smaller children.
They also plan to create a pumpkin patch for children on Halloween.
“If the space and equipment are available, it’s an opportunity for everyone,” Mike said.
“This is a space that can be used year-round.”
The charity was set up earlier this year and Mike believes the project still needs £70,000.
Fundraising events have been held in districts such as Bharat and Krath.
“We are not a care farm, our purpose is to give people a better future,” he said. “I think the facility we have here is going to be an outstanding facility.”
Ness and Mike Duxbury are recruiting residential students at Tarrant Farm [BBC]
Visually impaired William, 17, from Cumbria, had always wanted to get involved in farming.
He was the farm’s first permanent student and lived on the farm.
“It’s good that Mike knows what I’m capable of and will allow me to do that,” he said.
William already raised his own sheep and cattle.
“It surprised me,” he said. “That’s what I did after the first week.
“Most people don’t understand that it would be convenient if more people knew that we are more capable than they think.”
Mike said: “I’m on the same level as him. William took his chance. We’re proud of him. His attitude made it work and he overcame it.”
They had a student, Duncan, from Stonehaven, who came once a week, and Ness said he really started socializing with people while he was on the farm.
They also had a female student from the United States who wanted to work in agriculture for a week.
“It’s good to pass on knowledge,” Mike said.
NFU Scotland said it was “excited” to see such innovative projects taking shape.
“Initiatives like this open the door for people with visual impairments and other disabilities to experience and pursue careers in agriculture – opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach,” a statement said.
Alan Turner, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure services committee, said the “excellent” project had already generated interest from a number of organizations and schools for training and placement opportunities.
Mike hopes this farm will make a difference to many people.
“We’re here to help everyone who needs agricultural or independent help,” he said.
“The biggest breakthrough is getting everyone to communicate. You have to learn to have conversations and be part of a team.
“The seeds have been sown and this is just the beginning. Disability will never go away, let’s embrace it because everyone has something to contribute.”