Stonebridge City Farm

Stonebridge City Farm
Location	St Ann's, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England
Nearest city	Nottingham
Coordinates	52°57′27″N 1°08′03″W / 52.957577°N 1.134118°W / 52.957577; -1.134118Coordinates: 52°57′27″N 1°08′03″W / 52.957577°N 1.134118°W / 52.957577; -1.134118
Created	1978 (1978)
Open	10am to 4pm
Website	www.stonebridgecityfarm.com

Stonebridge City Farm is an urban farm in St Ann's, Nottingham, United Kingdom. It is relatively small in size, the area of a school that was originally to have been built there. The farm has gardens; wild green space; farm animals; a café serving hot and cold food; a shop; a play area for children; toilets; hand washing facilities; and a barn. Entrance is free.

History

The St. Ann's area of Nottingham underwent a great deal of slum clearance starting in the 1960s and 1970s, making way for more modern council housing. Although much of the area was regenerated, a school that was planned for the site was cancelled and the land became derelict. Urban farms had started to crop up in the Netherlands, and in 1977 started to be discussed for this site. By 17 August 1978 a lease was signed, and a barn erected in May 1980.^[1]

Gardens

The farm has a number of areas of cultivation, from orchards and greenhouses to more formal gardens and wild spaces. Fruit and vegetables grown there are used in the kitchens of the on-site café, or sold either in the shop or a stall on the nearby Sneinton Market. Bees are also kept, both as pollinators and to harvest their honey.

The gardens have won a number of awards, such as the Civic Trust "Green Flag" award (national standard for parks)^[2] and the Royal Horticultural Society/Nottingham in Bloom Gold Medal.

Animals

Livestock

A number of animals of many different sizes are kept. Although these change over time, rare breed pigs, cows, goats, sheep, Shetland ponies and donkeys are usually to be seen in the paddocks around the farm. A large number of chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese are kept, partly for the eggs they provide. There are also smaller animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits (which may be handled by the public) and an aviary of exotic birds (which may not).

Wildlife

The farm is also surrounded by trees and shrubs, which attract a number of wild birds. Events such as the RSPB "Feed the Birds Day" are often staffed by members of the local RSPB group. There are also other wildlife events such as pond dipping held there.

Education

The farm encourages school visits so that urban children can learn about farm life; offers courses on beekeeping and gardening; placements for students studying animal-related courses; and supports people with special needs. As well as working outdoors, it has an education building with a purpose-built classroom.

References