Welcome to Fordhall Farm

Proud to be community owned

What is Fordhall Farm?

Fordhall Organic Farm, in Market Drayton, north Shropshire is England’s first community owned farm and has been organic for over 65 years – we offer a warm welcome to all.

Our tenant farmer Ben rears grass fed beef, lamb and Gloucester Old Spot pork. Owned by a charitable community-benefit society, our farm is open to the public as an enjoyable and educational resource year round.

Fordhall Farm led the way in organic farming after the war, pioneered British yoghurt production in the 1950’s, and after being saved from development in 2006 through a pioneering national campaign, it is now owned by over 8000 community shareholders.

We are open year round to the public as well as offering free farm trails, organic café, group tours, glamping in our yurts, educational visits, events, courses, weddings, meeting room space, care farming and volunteering opportunities… phew! And, as you delve into our website you will find there is a lot more to the Fordhall story… happy surfing!

Farm Shop and Arthur’s Farm Kitchen: Tues – Sat 9.30am – 5.00pm and Sun 10.00am – 4.00pm. Open Bank Holiday Mondays 10.00am – 4.00pm.
To receive a welcome direct from Ben and Charlotte Hollins, listen to this .mp3 (recorded by them in 2009)

UPCOMING EVENTS

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY DAY

Come and discover something for your mind, body and spirit with our complementary therapy fair.
It is the ideal place to learn about different therapies through taster sessions and workshops, stock up on supplies through independent store holders or to simply chat with various qualified and experienced practitioners.
Learn more about Homeopathy, Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Therapeutic Touch, Shamanism, Musical Spine Therapy, Soul Resonance Readings, Crystal Therapy, Sound Healing, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).
Saturday, September 23
10am-4pm Entry is free. Charges will apply to taster sessions

VOLUNTEER WEEKEND

Our famous volunteer working weekends take place on selected dates over the year (see the events page for details of those coming up) and focus on outdoor work, where you get to help us with conservation, wildlife and access focussed projects.
These weekends are great fun and everyone always leaves with a real sense of fulfilment from what they have helped to achieve. We match jobs to people’s skills, assign a group and give you all the instruction you need from one of our fantastic Fordhall leaders. Then you set off and get your hands mucky.
Past jobs have included building a boardwalk, putting in steps, planting wild flowers, building an otter holt or bridges, planting fruit trees, scrub clearance and hedge laying. You will never be bored and guaranteed to make lasting friendships.

Saturday/Sunday, September 16/17
AND Saturday/Sunday, November 25/26
Start from 9.30am with lunch included