News / food growing
Community Farm at risk of closure
A social enterprise that provides more than 500 homes with organic produce each week as well as running wellbeing sessions for refugees, schoolchildren and people experiencing mental health challenges is in danger of closure.
The Community Farm, located south of the city of Bristol and overlooking the Chew Magna lake, needs to raise at least £50,000 to keep the gates open following a fall in grant funding.
Established 15 years ago, it takes a nature-friendly approach to growing vegetables, combining organic methods with efforts to make the land accessible to as many people as possible.
is needed now More than ever
More than 230 schoolchildren and scores of local families with children of all ages got stuck into activities at the farm last year
The farm welcomed 3,500 visitors last year alone, including groups from disadvantaged communities who might otherwise not access nature, young people not in education or employment and local families.
The organic methodology has improved soil health and created thriving habitats for species including dormice and Little Owls, both on the vulnerable list, as well as skylarks, swifts and countless pollinators.
And homes in a 20-mile radius are supplied with fresh seasonal vegetables from the farm each week, while 50 local homes are provided with subsidised veg boxes and any surplus produce is sent to community food projects.
“The Community Farm was founded by activists, determined to connect people to the food system and encourage them to change it,” the team said in their Crowdfunder which, as testament to the popularity of the farm, has already raised over £30,000.
“All of those people who visit the farm are doing just that. Taking action to create a food system that works for people, nature and the climate.”
Groups of children from inner city Bristol come to enjoy nature and experience things they typically would not have access to including growing and harvesting fresh vegetables
People that spend time on the farm are quick to testify to its benefits: “As an autistic person, I just need this place, as soon as I first came here and felt how relaxing and welcoming it was, I knew I had to keep coming… I need it, it calms me. It means so much to me,” said one volunteer.
“We brought children from inner-city Bristol out to the farm to spend a day picking, cooking and just being here in nature,” said Jo Ingleby who leads the Children’s Kitchen project.
“Quite a lot of the children live in flats or high-rises and don’t spend much time outside. They come here and almost straight away they are playing happily….Eating a cucumber straight from the vine or an apple from the tree is a magical moment, and something everyone should have the chance to experience.”
“I have been living in Bristol for about two years, after moving here from Iran. Visiting the farm was a very special experience for me,” said an Aidbox Community refugee charity service user. “The fresh produce, the smells and the friendly atmosphere reminded me of my home country and my family’s garden, which made me feel emotional but also very peaceful.”
Reaching the Crowdfunder target will mean the Community Farm is able to continue in the short term while they plan for the long term.
“We have worked tirelessly with our community to transform empty fields into a thriving landscape of organic crops, abundant wildlife, and inspiring spaces for people to connect with nature and each other,” said co-managing director Tom Richardson.
“Without support, this could now all be lost. The need for nature-friendly farming and access to nutritious food is greater than ever. Every donation, big or small, helps us keep the gates open and this vital work alive.”
Find out more at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/keep-the-farm-gates-open
All images: The Community Farm
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
