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A direct connection to nature for B&NES communities;
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A bridge between diverse cultures and communities through the land;
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An opportunity to utilise (or overcome) myriad forms of lived experience;
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6,778 people who visited The Farm with a greater understanding of food, nature and our climate;
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39% of those people gained employability skills;
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55% have new opportunities for social and environmental action.
The Community Farm is a Green Business Leader because it:
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Is a buyer and distribution hub for food from 43 B&NES producers to local customers through partnerships worth £300,000 annually.
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Creates opportunities and provides support to up to 400 local residents annually to learn new skills, and gain confidence and experience towards securing paid employment in the green business sector, including a new partnership with Chew Valley School.
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Has helped raise the profile of the region and its rural businesses via appearances on Countryfile and Radio 4 amongst others.
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Has designed and is implementing a targeted inclusion strategy to increase representation in our workforce, volunteers and Management Committee, a crucial investment given farming is one of the least diverse business sectors. This includes partnerships with Aid Box Community, Black2Nature and (previously) Bristol Drugs Project.
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Has created a sanctuary for wildlife at the heart of a thriving business, including a range of rare plants, insects and birds.
