1 farmer, 8,000 landlords
In Market Drayton, north Shropshire, we are England’s first community-owned farm. In 2006, there was a high profile campaign to save the farm from development - selling £50 non-profit making shares to the general public. Fordhall Organic Farm is now owned by over 8,000 community shareholders from around the world, making it a flagship project for the UK.
The Fordhall Community Land Initiative aims to show that low-input organic farming, connected to the local community, offers a viable way of life for generations to come.
Fordhall Organic Farm has been chemical free for over 70 years. Our tenant farmer, Ben Hollins, rears pasture-fed cattle, sheep and free-range pigs on an outdoor grazing system called Foggage farming, whilst the community use the same land for relaxation, well-being and fun.
We maintain free open access to the farm for members of the public, whilst operating many community projects including a youth project supporting vulnerable young people, a care farm working with adults with learning disabilities, school visits, youth residentials, conservation volunteering, a project support individuals with a cancer diagnosis, an afternoon amble supporting individuals suffering from loneliness or isolation, and community/family events through the holidays.
Our community not only own Fordhall Farm, but they direct our strategy, and inform our future direction. We are their voice
Our mission is to restore connections between hearts, minds and the soil, to encourage and create meaningful change, which helps build health and resilience within people and planet.
