Does threatened closure of city community farm reflect a paradox?

INOTICE that the elected mayor, Marvin Rees, and Bristol City Council together with Avon Wildlife, have declared an ‘ecological emergency’ in response to escalating threats to wildlife and ecosystems.

I totally agree with this action and where I can I will give it my full support.

But in the same week, the same Bristol City Council is calling time on Hartcliffe Community Farm. Does this not reflect a paradox?

I would have though that the closure of the community farm is contrary to promoting an ecological emergency, but rather destroying it.

Further to this, Hartcliffe Community Farm serves a part of the city which is often neglected in any cultural and arts development within the wider Bristol area. The community farm is a place the local community – particularly the young community – can come and learn more about animal welfare, how food is produced and as a point of community contact.

If the land is owned by the city council that means it is owned by the council tax payers of Bristol. If Hartcliffe Community Farm is closed down, what is the intention of the council? To sell the land off for development? More buildings? More profits for organisations not directly associated with Hartcliffe or the South Bristol community?

Is this yet another greedy acquisition for the city council, riding on the back of ‘we must protect the local taxpayers’ money’? If this is so, then the closure of Hartcliffe Community Farm is another slap in the face for the citizens of Hartcliffe.

To keep the farm the rewards are greater as they reflect more than monetary costs and benefits, but add to social and cultural benefit, particularly in the education of children, and developing a community well-being within the area.

It may add to the reduction of anti-social behaviour and boredom too, and encourage a positive attitude for many people.

Finally it could be a major boost to the ‘ecology emergency’ as declared by Bristol City Council. All can benefit from this.

Save Hartcliffe Community Farm, then the citizens of Hartcliffe can feel like they belong to this as well.

Both Mr Rees and Bristol City Council are going to find that there is more in the way of social and cultural benefits and costs rather than monetary benefits and costs in the ecological emergency project.

They can start by keeping Hartcliffe Community Farm open.

Dr John Black Henleaze