Epsom College Farm

Epsom College Farm, a 55 acre site bought by Task Brasil in 2002 thanks to the fundraising efforts of Epsom College's students (England). The farm is located 90 km north east of Rio de Janeiro in a rural part of the state well known for its beautiful waterfalls, crystal clear natural ponds and impressive remnants of the original rainforest Mata Atlântica.

The site exhibits a wide range of landscape identity areas in which appropriate land-use activities have already been developed. There is currently a banana plantation, a citrus orchard and a vegetable garden surrounded by tropical fruit trees such as avocado, mango, acerola, cherimoya, papaya, carambole, guava and others. Half of its surface remains covered in lush native rainforest, unmodified or regenerating, which, due to its highly recognised botanical and wildlife habitat significance is managed as a conservation area.

A natural spring provides an all year-round crystalline water supply, while the stream ‘Rio Soarinho’ crosses the property.

Task Brasil aims to develop the farm using integrated sustainable land-use principles, safe renewable sources of energy and organic/biodynamic farming techniques to create a productive and healthy environment for teenagers from the streets of Rio de Janeiro.

Thanks to the British Embassy Small Fund Scheme, in Brazil, Forest House building work was completed at Epsom College Farm to become a home for up to 10 boys aged 10 to 14 (entry age).

Forest House at the farm could house upto 12 boys aged 10 - 14.