News / Yew Tree Farm
Farmer running Yew Tree Farm to leave after ongoing conflict
Catherine Withers, the farmer running Yew Tree Farm for the last 30 years, has announced she is leaving before the end of 2025.
The news comes after several years of conflict over future plans for part of the farmland in Bedminster Down.
Many people want to protect the Site of Nature Conservation Interest’s flourishing biodiversity against any encroachment from development.
Withers is the third generation of her family to work the farm and has also lived there her whole life.
She will be giving up the farm up as part of a settlement deal with other members of her family.
Supporters of Yew Tree Farm gathered at Bristol Megascreen on Friday evening for the Bristol premiere of One Last Farm, One Last Chance – photo: Rob Browne
Housing developers Redrow have been trying to get permission to build around 200 new homes in and around the site, prompting fierce resistance from people across Bristol who who have regularly protested against any development on what is our city’s last working farm.
South Bristol Cemetery & Crematorium could also expand onto the farm’s land, something that Withers has also fiercely fought against happening.
Main photo: Catherine Withers
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