Welcome to the Wye Community Farm website! Read on to learn about how this exciting project is:

* Reducing food miles and packaging waste by producing local food for local people

* Providing volunteering and training opportunities in farming and rural crafts

* Maintaining biodiversity through management of the Wye National Nature Reserve

* Promoting awareness on food, farming and the natural world through farm walks, open days and school visits

* Creating employment in agriculture and allied industries

The story so far

The Wye Community Farm (WCF) initiative was launched in 2007, in response to the loss of agricultural teaching at Wye College. The initial intention was to secure a tenancy on the College Farm, and to develop a range of local food initiatives, education programmes, and conservation projects. Whilst our tender bid was unsuccessful, the tremendous enthusiasm shown for the project, from the hundreds of people who registered their support, encouraged the steering group to pursue other opportunities.

In spring 2008 WCF entered into an agreement with Natural England to manage part of the Wye National Nature Reserve (NNR). In grazing the NNR, WCF are producing ‘local food for local people’ and maintaining the chalk grassland upon which rare and endangered species such as the Black Veined Moth and Lady Orchid depend.

A busy 12 months later, and WCF is now:

• Managing 80 acres of grazing and woodland
• Producing lamb, beef, pork, logs and eggs
• Holding twice-weekly volunteer work parties
• Organising regular public events

Next steps

After this successful start, WCF is now in a position to offer you the opportunity to become involved and support this pioneering project. Wye Community Farm Limited is registered as an Industrial and Provident Society (IPS) for the benefit of the community. This structure allows WCF to sell shares to the general public, in order to raise funds to develop existing initiatives and finance future opportunities. These plans include:

• Securing further land and buildings, in order to expand the range of enterprises
• Developing an education and training programme; school trips, after school club, vocational training
• Promoting biodiversity and environmental improvement, through sustainable management of the Wye NNR and installation of renewable energy systems
• Creating paid employment and stimulating the local rural economy
  

Ways to become involved

Become a part owner of the Wye Community Farm: See the Membership page for details of how you can become a shareholder in the WCF.

Get your hands dirty! For details of how you can join in down on the farm, see the Diary page

Patron: Amanda Cottrell

The Wye Community Farm is grateful for financial support from the
Kent Downs AONB Unit, The Co-operative group (CWS) Ltd and SITA Trust.