‘It’s great to see farm open again’
Much-loved facility back at city park
AFTER more than a decade away a much-loved community farm is back – and there’s plans to launch a cafe too.
It was back in 2011 when Bucknallbased City Farm was forced to shut due to council cut backs.
Now it’s officially back after determined volunteers battled through bad weather and even an arson attack earlier this year to relaunch the facility.
Based at Bucknall Park it is already playing host to two piglets, two sheep, nine pygmy goats, 19 chickens, nine ducks, and a particularly boisterous goose named George.
And Paul and Amanda Cotterill, the hard-working co-founders of the City Farm charity, hope to develop the farm into a community hub for local residents. They also plan to introduce more animals, a sensory garden, arts and crafts sessions, woodworking lessons, and seasonal activities.
Meanwhile ambitious plans are also underway to transform the former lodgings of the park ranger into a café for visitors to enjoy. The farm is still undergoing development and is currently only open on weekends.
However the City Farm Trust hopes to have the park fully reopened by Easter, allowing guests to visit any day of the week.
Meanwhile visitors who support the farm with a donation have the chance to feed the animals up close and personal with a variety of different fruit and veg. Guests can also support the charity by purchasing eggs laid by the farm’s own hens.
As reported by The Sentinel Paul had previously spoken of how it had taken three-and-half-years to get to the point where work could get underway to bring the attraction back to life. They received ward budget cash from local councillors and a £3,500 donation from Walleys Quarry.
In March this year a newly-installed shed containing paperwork, tools and a tea and coffee maker, was torched at the site. Police were subsequently called in as the blaze was deemed deliberate.
However, thanks to the continued efforts of the Trust and its team of volunteers, the City Farm is now back on its feet. Residents have also noticed the level of interest in the park, which once attracted 90,000 visitors a year in its heyday.
Peter Gibson, of nearby Northfleet Street, said: “We noticed the park had reopened by accident when we took our dog Molly on one of her walks. We couldn’t believe it – we used to love taking our grandkids here back before it shut, so it was great to see it open again.
“Lots of families are visiting the park again, which is so nice to see. I’ve not seen it this busy in years. I think it’s great for the community. It was a waste just sitting there unused like that.”
Further details on how to help the farm – and details on making a donation – can be found online at www.cityfarmstoke.com. More updates on the farm can be found on their Facebook page.