What we have already done...
- Family Fun Day, May 05
- Guided Nature Walk, Aug 05
- Food and Gift Fairs
- Art Events Oct 04,05
- Regular Volunteer working weekends
To find out more:
- Trained 24 volunteers in tree planting and Post and Wire Fencing over a working weekend in February (see Diary for photos)
- Created a new outlet for local producers through Fordhall Farm Ltd and the farm shop.
- Events at Fordhall have contributed towards this
- As have the sale of shares which allow all members of the public from across the country and even the globe to be part of Fordhall Farm.
- A nature trail is already open at Fordhall during the summer months
- A volunteer weekend in February included hedge laying and tree planting at Fordhall
What can it offer you?
The Fordhall Community Land Initiative will secure Fordhall Farm to ensure permanently affordable access for farmers and the community. It offers a range of social, economic, cultural and environmental benefits to those involved.
Social –
Fordhall Community Project does not discriminate and actively encourages all people to get involved in the events and exhibitions – it’s a great way to meet like-minded people. The Project already has close connections with groups such as the local Lions club, local food groups and schools.
We hold regular meetings and events at Fordhall Farm. These are intended to encourage people to experience the unique features of a long-established chemical-free farm. Events are usually structured around promoting healthy eating and the benefits of sustainable organic farming.
Economic –
- To act as a work space for land-based social enterprises
- Business job creation
- Work-experience opportunities for people to test the agricultural sector. Including volunteers, school students, those with special learning needs and those under going rehabilitation as is individually appropriate.
- Using it as a successful model of permanently affordable access to farmland for farmers and communities that others can learn from.
Cultural –
An essential part of the Fordhall Initiative is to reconnect people with the rural areas around them and to appreciate the traditional farming techniques which supported the agricultural sector for decades. The Fordhall Community Land Initiative is often compared to recreating the community spirit which reigned during the war years. The idea of building a community centred around such a positive, forward thinking message, is to bring back this community involvement and refocus peoples attention on the link between food, diet and health.
Environmental –
- Enhancing the landscape through environmental improvements.
- Preserving biodiversity and wildlife.
- Acting as a green lung for the local area.
- Opening access to trails and paths for education
- Conserving and sustainably managing the long-standing , untouched natural soils as part of a working farm system.
- Using it as a successful model for other farms to improve their wildlife quota without compromising their financial viability.
There is something for everyone at Fordhall Farm in Shropshire.
Join us in this campaign and make something exciting happen.
Find out more: How will the Fordhall Community Land Initiative work?
Paul Fletcher, Lancashire
Marieanne, Chester
Helen Nichol, Preston
Family Fun Day, 2005