England's first community-owned farm
Visit Fordhall Organic Farm
Celebrating 20 years in
community-ownership!
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 80 years.
Arthur's son and tenant farmer, Ben Hollins, rears pasture-fed, organic cattle and sheep on an outdoor grazing system called Foggage farming - plus a few fun-loving, free-range pigs - whilst the community use the same land for education, 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.
Now owned by its ever-growing member base, Fordhall is a wonderful example of community spirit and real organic farming.
2026 marks and incredible 20 years in community ownership. We are still here, still successful, still having fun and still with 8,000 community shareholders leading the way, there is even a second farm joining the family!
As we look to the future we are seeking to influence the movement further, using our learning and experience to support more farms into community ownership, and connecting an even wider community to food, farms and our natural landscapes.
Being a shareholder in the Fordhall Community Land Initiative is more than owning a share, you become a custodian of organic landscapes across the country.
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 has a 100-year tenancy from the Fordhall Community Land Initiative (and its 8,000+ members). He 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 independent enterprises sharing the land and working in partnership with each other.
To support Ben and his team, consider buying online or pop into the farm shop - we promise you won't be disappointed!
