OWNERS of a Whittington farm are inviting the community to a meeting to learn more about them, after receiving an overwhelming positive response on their appeal for support to continue keeping their land.
Babbinswood Organic Farm, a local family run farm for five generations, reached out to the community for support amid fears it could close - and the response has given its owners the energy to .
The overwhelming positive response from the community since October when a Just Giving Page was started to help buy time to help keep the farm together, has helped raise £23,834.
OTHER NEWS:
- Beloved Christmas Parade in Oswestry embraces cashless donations
- Person rescued from car wreckage in 'challenging' Oswestry incident
- Shropshire soldiers living in 'rat-infested' accommodation, Commons told
Casha Bowles- Jones, farmer at Babbinswood, said “We carried out a survey to understand whether Saving Babbinswood Organic Farm is of interest to our local community.
“Our family’s focus remains on regenerating the health of the soil, caring for both farmed and wild animals, and building on our connections with the community and it was great to see this same vision come from our community too.
“Over 100 people completed our survey and 75 per cent supported the idea of community ownership as a potential option for keeping the Babbinswood Organic Farm together, ensuring the important work can be continued into perpetuity.
“Babbinswood Organic Farm could have a new chapter, our aim is to embrace the success story of Fordhall Organic Farm in Market Drayton, and many more community inspired initiatives.”
Currently Babbinswood Organic Farm is a busy family-run dairy, beef, and sheep operation alongside market garden, orchard, and woodland.
All its products are produced, processed, and sold directly to customers via the farm shop and organic veg box scheme. The site is also home to Oakwood Veterinary Centre.
“Babbinswood Organic Farm aspires to go beyond being a working farm”, Casha added.
“We see the potential to cultivate a lasting impact on the community, providing a nourishing and safe haven for people to enjoy, relax, and learn.
She continued: “We believe in growing not just a sustainable agricultural legacy but also a vibrant community space where individuals can reconnect with nature, encouraging a sense of well-being and shared experiences.”
In light of the fantastic positive feedback, Babbinswood Organic Farm invites the community to a crucial meeting on Sunday, December 3, at 1 pm.
The meeting will take place at the farm and will provide an opportunity for all those who wish to contribute to the preservation of the community asset with their ideas.
Charlotte Hollins, who brings a wealth of experience from her roles at Fordhall Community Land Initiative, England’s first community-owned farm and COOPs UK, is also providing her support.
Anyone wishing to donate to the campaign can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/SaveBabbinswood
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here