Urban Growing
Bristol’s growing network of food producers continues to strengthen training, collaboration, and opportunities for new entrants to the sector.
The Growers Training Network has been re-established with partners including Shift, Avon Wildlife Trust, Heart of BS13, St Werburghs City Farm, and others. The network aims to share updates, coordinate training offers, avoid duplication, and explore strategic opportunities across the city. Bristol Food Producers’ new partnership with the Apricot Centre has created a satellite site for delivering horticulture and growing training. Pilot funding has been secured, with courses starting in 2026 and plans to expand to WECA-funded programmes. Courses will be low-cost or free and will offer Levels 2, 3, and 4 qualifications, making skills development accessible to more people in the city.
Avon Wildlife Trust is recruiting the next cohort for its successful Wildlife Champions Programme in January, continuing to engage volunteers and build community knowledge around local biodiversity.
At Hartcliffe City Farm, the market garden is fully operational, supplying fresh produce for community meals and supper clubs. The team is also exploring a strategy to improve the distribution of local produce within the community.
The South West Land Match Service, established in 2023 by the Landworkers’ Alliance and Tamar Grow Local CIC through Defra’s New Entrant Support Scheme (NESS), continues to connect new entrant farmers with landowners across the South West. The service is now open to all landowners and land seekers, helping to support the next generation of farmers and diversify local food production.
