Sponsorship

Friends of the Farm

The Rural Learning Centre will assist other projects to benefit themselves and the farm, the people using the farm and the future sustainability of the rural landscape.

There are many ways that you can become involved in the farm.

Sponsorship:

Trees - One part of the farm will be dedicated to growing a woodland. This will be an area where young people can take part in outdoor learning, and where people can walk.
It will also offer the chance for people to dedicate a tree - a very special and original gift idea. Are you wondering what you can give to the person who seems to have everything they need?   Prices start at £20.
Perhaps dedicating a tree will be that one unique gift which will last for many years.
Don;t worry if you do not have the grounds to grow the tree, it will be planted and lovingly cared for on the community farm growing alongside many others,

For your price you will get:
A tree, chosen by you, to grow in the community woodland area.
A plan of the woodland locating your tree
A certificate
A photograph

Orchard Trees - The farm will also have an orchard. The trees will take a few years to bear marketable and usable fruit. This can then be used to sell and support the future life of the orchard.
You can sponsor your own tree and harvest your own fruits once they are ready.
The sponsorship will ensure your tree is cared for all year round.

Sponsor a tree for its full life span - a one-off payment which allows you to be a friend of the farm also.
Sponsor a tree annually
Support a tree - and receive the harvest

Animals :
Once the fields and fencing are in place correctly, the rescue animals will take up residence on the farm.
The countryside here will provide a secure home with a great backdrop. Good grazing, food and shelter.
You could make a difference to the life of the farm animals and to your own by supporting and sponsoring.
You can choose from a range of farm animals.
Choose from the list:
Adopt a chicken
Adopt a cow
Adopt a duck

Useful Links

There are many other networks that support the work of projects like a community farm. This page is set up to offer links to increase your own personal networks and open opportunities for the work you are doing.

The Government has a site set up to encourage healthy eating for children and healthy lifestyles for the whole family: http://www.nhs.uk/change4life

The acres of orchards are in decline in the country. The farm will have its own orchard but maybe you would like to find out a little more about orchards and fruits. Visit : http://www.orchardgroundforce.blogspot.com

From this site you can download a how-to guide for community orchards: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/orchardshowto

The woodlands across the UK are considerably less, which is a problem for many green and eco-friendly environments. To find out more and how you can help go to:
//thewoodlandtrust@woodlandtrust.org.uk">http://thewoodlandtrust@woodlandtrust.org.uk

You may want to keep in touch with farming issues both regionally and nationally. What are key issues for the farming world? Visit: http://www.nfuonline.com/

Find out where farming and education fit and what the current issues are through FACE - farming and countryside education on: http://www.face-online.org.uk/

For information regarding issues in the farming community there is The Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development (JAFSCD:  http://www.agdevjournal.com/


There are many areas of support and information regarding community agriculture, here are just a few:

Are you interested in starting your own project? This site will give you ideas and advice to help get you started: http://www.localharvest.org/csa/

The Soil Association which is a membership charity which campaigns for healthy, sustainable and humane food, land use and farming - http://www.soilassociation.org/

Community supported agriculture information site: http://www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk/about/csa/index.cfm

Visiting a farm with school children is a great experience. If you need any information or advice before the trip go to: http://www.farmsforschools.org.uk/index.htm
This is a partner organisation to FACE.

If you are not able to visit our farm, or have done so and want to further your knowledge and experience at another, maybe one of the following may be able to help you.

In Wiltshire -
http://www.larkrisefarm.org.uk/  situated near Trowbridge and connected to Larkrise Special School.

http://www.jamiesfarm.org.uk/about-us/our-story.html - located near Box, close to Bath. This farm specialises in educational links for young people from the London area.

http://www.riverbournecommunityfarm.org.uk/profiles.html A new project located south of Salisbury in the Bourne Valley area.

http://www.greatwoodcharity.org/ The centre near Marlborough that gives retired racehorses a future and provides activities for children with Special Educational Needs.


Further afield:
http://www.swanseacommunityfarm.org.uk/ They say - It’s a place where people of all ages can get stuck in to growing plants and vegetables, help to look after animals and discover more

http://www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk/ Set in the Chew Valley offering farming and a vegetable box scheme.

http://www.tablehurstandplawhatch.co.uk/ - A farm 30 miles south of London which has been running for 10 years now.