The GBN established a successful partnership with the Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre to provide training and work opportunities for people with learning disabilities. Ponderosa is a visitor attraction in Heckmondwike, with a rare breeds centre open to the public.

Cardboard that is collected from local businesses is shredded on site and used for animal bedding. The soiled bedding is composted in worm beds, and when composting is completed, it is used by adults with learning disabilities to grow food for their lunch and plants for sale. Excess worms from the worm beds can be bought by the public to feed to the fish in the ponds.

Ponderosa also provides fishing facilities for young wheelchair users, on platforms made from recycled plastics manufactured by Intruplas.

Ponderosa