England's first community-owned farm
Visit Fordhall Organic Farm
In Market Drayton, north Shropshire, we are England’s first community-owned farm
1 farmer, 8,000 landlords
The Fordhall Community Land Initiative aims to show that low-input organic farming, connected to local communities, offers a viable way of life for generations to come.
Following the dedication and passion of the late, Arthur Hollins, Fordhall Farm has been chemical free for over 75 years. Arthur's son and 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. A partnership that works both ways!
Community-owned, Family-run
Following a high-profile campaign in 2006, Fordhall Organic Farm became community-owned.
At the time, over 8000 people worldwide supported siblings Charlotte and Ben Hollins to save their tenanted farm and family home from industrial development by purchased £50 non-profit making community shares.
Now owned by its members through a charitable Community Benefit Society (Fordhall Community Land Initiative Ltd), Fordhall is a wonderful example of community spirit and real organic farming. Most importantly, shares are life-long, make great gifts and are still available! See below..
You could part own Fordhall Farm and be part of our journey moving forward.
The Tenant Farmer, Ben Hollins
Ben grew up at Fordhall Organic Farm with sister, Charlotte, they (but mostly Ben) are now tenant farmers to the community, following in the footsteps of organic pioneer, the late Arthur Hollins.
Ben manages Fordhall's livestock, farm shop, pastures and a fleet of catering trailers, with a wonderful staff team behind him. Ben’s farm business, Fordhall Farm Ltd, is run as a commercial business and pays rent to the Fordhall Community Land Initiative. We are two independant enterprises sharing the land and working in partnership with each other.
To support Ben and his team, consider using them for your next event, or check out the farm shop - we promise you won't be disappointed!
