Urgent appeal: The Community Farm to launch £50,000 Crowdfunder to avoid closure

A much-loved social enterprise offering vital support to local people, wildlife, and ethical food producers in the South West is at risk of closure unless it raises £50,000 through a new Crowdfunder. 

The Community Farm, located between Bristol and Bath, has launched a campaign today to give locals the opportunity to help keep the farm gates open, benefitting thousands of people in the region every year. 

For 15 years, The Community Farm has been a haven for wildlife and people alike – growing climate-friendly food, restoring nature, and creating a space where everyone can connect, learn, and take action for a better future. 

The farm is now at risk due to a sharp drop in grant funding available to support environmental and social work. 

Why The Community Farm matters

• 15 years serving the community 

• 3,500 visitors last year including refugees, local school children and adults with mental ill health 

• Vital habitats for vulnerable wildlife species including dormice and little owls 

• 500+ homes receiving nutritious, organic food every week 

• Supporting more than 25 other ethical food producers in the South West 
  
  
  

Last year alone, the farm had more than 3,500 visits from a diverse range of people including school children, refugees, and adults with mental ill health.

The farm also delivers organic food to more than 500 local homes every week. Beneficiaries say the farm is a sanctuary for wellbeing and connection.

As one volunteer put it: “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 already.” 

A fall in available grant funding means that without urgent support, this vital community space could be lost. Tom Richardson, Co-Managing Director of The Farm, said:  

“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. Without support, this could now all be lost. The need for nature-friendly farming and access to nutritious food is greater than ever. We are inviting everyone across the South West and beyond to consider supporting our work through our Crowdfunder. Every donation, big or small, helps us keep the gates open and this vital work alive.” 

Jo Ingleby from The Children’s Kitchen said: “We brought children from inner-city Bristol out to the farm to spend a day picking, cooking and just being here in nature. It’s the perfect place for that… 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. The space is unique, beautiful and a joy to use. 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.”

Supporters can donate and claim rewards including local artwork and tickets to events including festive willow decoration and fermentation workshops. Exclusive offers and vouchers from other local businesses are also available. Every pound donated brings the farm closer to its £50,000 target.  

The Farm’s Crowdfunder is being match-funded by Aviva, doubling the value of any donations it receives before the end of November. 

Find out more about the farm and donate at www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk  

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