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For details of forthcoming farm events, and to find out how to get involved in your community farm, please see Diary If you are farming yourself, and would like to provide ‘in kind’ assistance to the Wye Community Farm, please see the appeal on About the Farm |
The Vision
The Wye Community Farm (WCF) initiative was established in the autumn of 2006, initially to tender for the tenancy of the Wye College Farm. Whilst the tender bid was unsuccessful – see the postings on latest news for the full story – the tremendous enthusiasm and support shown for the project has meant that the directors and steering group of Wye Community Farm Limited are committed to pursuing other opportunities.
It is the aim of the Wye Community Farm to establish a community-owned enterprise which:
- Supports a wide range of agricultural enterprises, producing 'local food for local people'.
- Manages the land sympathetically to protect and enhance Wye's biodiversity and landscape quality.
- Provides employment, training and volunteering opportunities.
- Forms close links with schools and acts as an 'outdoor classroom'.
- Produces an economic return sufficient to support the above aims and allow for investment in further initiatives (eg renewable energy crops, added value enterprises etc).
In the spring of 2008, the WCF secured grazing rights to over 50 acres on the Wye National Nature Reserve (NNR) and neighbouring private land. The WCF currently has nine cattle, 18 sheep and 22 lambs, with the first meat being available for sale in autumn 2008. Opportunities are being pursued to secure further land and buildings, at which point the WCF will be in a position to launch a share issue to secure funding for the full range of initiatives planned.
The Wye NNR is owned by Natural England, the public body charged with protecting and promoting enjoyment of the natural environment. Part of the arrangement with Natural England is that WCF contributes to the management of the reserve. WCF volunteer work parties, usually on Saturday mornings, carry out practical tasks such as fencing, coppicing and litter picking.
So what do I do now?
- Please complete and return our online form, indicating your support and providing your contact details for updates on progress.
- Get involved! Join the WCF work parties on Saturday mornings, see diary for details.
Richard Bartley, Richard Boden, Jasper Bouverie, Jamie Clifford, Paul Cobb, Sean Furey, Tammy Furey, Jeff Higgins, Richard Honey, Mark Hudson, Kumar, Jim Little, Martin Mackey, Rebecca Mair, Graham Potts, Chris Reynolds, David Terry, Louise Tonkin, Dan Tuson, Phil Ward, Joanna Williams. (All acting in an individual capacity.)
The Wye Community Farm is grateful for financial support from the Kent Downs AONB Unit and CPRE Kent. 
