The idea
The idea is to bring some waste land we have recently acquired into cultivation to establish a community farm, with a small orchard growing historic heritage fruit trees, historically grown in Yorkshire, a market garden growing staples and some more unusual vegetables, such as Jerusalem artichokes, ocra etc to show that there are more types of vegetables than the ones sold in supermarkets, a small herd of rare breed milking goats, pigs and chickens for meat and eggs. This will have a two fold aspect, firstly it will be used to teach people basic husbandry and growing skills so they can grow more of their own veg at home and maybe keep a few chickens and also teach them how to cook the food they grow, which will help them reduce their food bills.
The second aspect of the scheme will be a community shares program where people can buy "shares" in the farm which will then entitle them to the produce grown there, in the form of a weekly veg box scheme.
What we'll deliver
- Buy an 18 foot polytunnel
- Establish flocks of chickens
- Bring land into cultivation for fruit and vegatable growing
- Establish milking goat herd
Why it's a great idea
With more people using food banks and the threat of food shortages from Brexit, as a country we need to become more self reliant and take ownership of our own food security. It is not so long ago that most people would have a vegetable patch and maybe a few chickens, but with modern conveniences it is easier to just buy a days food and then go back to the supermarket the next day and sadly these simple skills have been lost, kids don’t know potatoes come from the ground or that eggs come from chickens. We want to help people reconnect with nature and where their food comes from and educate kids to take ownership of their environment. Working with plants and animals has also been shown to have a massive positive affect on peoples physical and mental health, helping them regain physical strength after illnesses, 10 mins gardening counts as daily exercise and reduces the risk of heart disease. Gardening also releases endorphins which help combat depression and anxiety.
Steps to get it done
- Site cleared of brambles etc
- Wildlife area established and pond dug
- Livestock on site
- Heritage fruit and vegetables planted
- Site open to local groups and schools
- Produce being sold and income generated
- Training workshops running
Working with animals also helps children with conditions such as autism and ADHD build empathy and helps them cope with social situations.
