Bristol's oldest city farm at risk
Bristol's oldest city farm is at risk of closure unless it can raise £50,000 before Christmas.
Windmill Hill City Farm has been going for 33 years, but may not be able to keep running for another year, unless the cash can be raised.
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Windmill Hill city farm is Bristol's oldest
On Saturday, the farm's management committee is calling an emergency general meeting of all members to address the funding crisis and whether it can be saved.
Eric Booth, chair of the management committee, spoke to the Bristol Evening Post about the challenge ahead.
He said: "We're facing a funding crisis that requires us to make significant savings in our costs, and bring in a lot more funding.
"We need to start immediately or the future of the farm is at risk. If we're going to come through it, then we're going to need the support and energies of all our friends."
The four-and-a-half-acre farm was started on derelict land in 1976 as a result of the demands of local people, and has grown to an attraction visited by 200,000 people every year.
Windmill Hill City Farm, which employees 80 people, is a registered charity, so there is no charge for entry, but every donation helps to keep the farm operating as a free community facility for the enjoyment of the public.
With an annual turnover of just below £1 million, the farm generates about 70 per cent of this, leaving 30 per cent to raise through other means each year.
Last year, the farm didn't manage to raise the 30 per cent, and had no choice but to use its reserves.
Eric said: "We've been through a period which began when foot-and-mouth hit in 2001. We never had it here, but it hit farms in the north of Bristol. The net result is that the farm closed down for four months. People were just staying away from farms.
"Then last year we had a funding target of £150,000 which we didn't meet, so we cleaned out our reserves, and started this year with no cushion. If things don't turn out right, we will have to do something really serious; the last resort is closing.
"We all run really close to the bone; there is no fat in the system, which makes a restructure difficult. Perhaps the nursery and the adventure playground would continue, but not as part of the farm.
"We think we can raise the funds, but we need people to know this is serious.
"This is a great opportunity for a reinvigorated and energised farm to emerge at a time when our communities will have great need of it."
Windmill Hill City Farm gives the public the opportunity to learn about farming and to become involved in the production of their food.
Animals on the site include goats, sheep, pigs, cattle and poultry.
It is a working farm, with community garden plots and a wildlife conservation area. Organic fruit and vegetables are grown and supplied to the farm shop and cafe.
Schools take trips to the farm for guided tours, and the farm also offers hands-on activities for people with learning difficulties, as well as opportunities for trainees and volunteers.
It also runs educational courses with the Workers' Educational Association, including computer and photography courses, arts and crafts, and horticulture.
It has a 50-place nursery and an adventure playground on site, and an all-weather sport pitch.
If you can help call the farm on 0117 963 3252 or visit the site in Phillip Street.
Windmill Hill City Farm is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm, and is closed every Monday, including Bank Holidays.
12 Comments
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by Suzy, Bristol
Tuesday, July 28 2009, 10:12AM
“ASDA dominates Bedminster. WHCF should approach them for funding. It would give them an opportunity to put something back into their community apart from litter.”
by Suzy, Bristol
Tuesday, July 28 2009, 10:10AM
“ASDA dominates Bedminster, maybe WHCF could approach them for some funding. It would be a chance for them to put something back into their community apart from litter.”
by H, Bristol
Wednesday, July 15 2009, 10:46PM
“WHCF is a wonderful resource for all who use it. It is not just a farm - it is an adult learning centre, an adventure playground, a nursery, an all-weather sports pitch, a shop, a cafe and allotments. The farm itself provides opportunities for inner city children to learn about where their food comes from, and to experience things that they never would otherwise. If the farm were to go, then it would be a great tragedy.
Gary - there certainly aren't 80 people on the payroll in the livestock department - but when you factor in the nursery nurses (the law requires that there are a relatively high number of these), course teachers, cafe / shop workers etc. then it is a much more reasonable number - in effect WHCF is several small businesses on one site with their finances all very closely interlinked.
Mart - this isn't a business, it is a charity - and a very worthwhile one at that.”
by stormkettle, somerset
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 4:19PM
“Providing space,rooting opportunities and a happy life for all piglets before slaughter .
And lots of space and nourishing environment for all poultry, should help reduce any negative karmic outcomes.”
by Gary, Bristol
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 3:53PM
“Windmill Hill is an absolutely brilliant place that does wonderful work.
Apologies to all who work there, but does it really need to employ 80 people? That's more employees than most farms I would have thought, although I appreciate that it does much more than regular farms. Having 80 people on the payroll is more than many small businesses, however.”
by Hmmm?...Erm.., Bristol
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 2:01PM
“1, try to get a 'Banksy' on show down there.
2, get a few 'celebs' to visit, ie: City(or even gas players), cast members from Hippodrome shows etc.. Anyone wellknown to photo opportunity & make a few comments (Evening Post could help with this, plus local TV)
3, any local firms that could help out with a little sponsorship?... a printer would be good to make up some decent 'signage' etc for the farm (its all a bit shabby at the moment).
4, if theres any money available at all, tidy up & revamp the FarmShop.. it needs publicisng, & merchadising (cant any local traders/retailers lend a hand or give benefit of their experience & advise in this respect?... maybe a bit of mutually beneficial publicity to be had here -so come on retailers 'every little helps')...
The City Farm is a really nice oasis to visit, many people would be surprised its less than a stones throw from the noisey hustle & bustle of the city streets .. give it a go, pop in for a cup of tea, take a few pics. A cheap (free) & friendly place to take the kids for a couple of hours.
It Does Need some TLC & tidying ujp though... a good time to relaunch!!”
by derek, Nuremburg
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 12:46PM
“50,000 pounds is a lot of money to most people but my blood boils when I read of how much MPs,Business people etc etc etc spend on one dinner party but still cannot help.Try Richard Branson,as he seems to think of other people apart from himself.”
by Mart, Nearby
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 12:41PM
“Same as any other business I'm afraid. Businesses are going under by the thousand, with the result that hundreds of thousands are added to the unemployment figures monthly so what's so different about this set up. Enough sob stories now and welcome to the real world.
Simple rule of business is that if you cannot meet your overheads then you're business is unsustainable. This applies to all business unless you are a bank in which case the public pay for you losses.”
by Snakes, Brizzle
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 9:45AM
“I regularly visit this farm with my 18 month old son. It is an excellent place for children to learn about animals and the roles they play in the food chain, and how we use them. I don't know how they should raise the money, but it must not be allowed to close. I always stop and have a coffee and a sandwich, perhaps they could raise the prices slightly to help buffer the deficit? It would be a terrrible shame for it to close.”
by Farouk Shabal, Bristol
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 8:52AM
“Simple, put the entry prices up by £1. Based on 200,000 visitors per annum, that should cover it. Then add 20% to all food prices. Additionally, develop a better volunteer programme based on the increasing availability of graduates and experienced individuals now between jobs. Additional presence will increase the visitor experience. Finally, buy 2 polar bears or an elephant on credit. That'll give you the USP over the spiritual home of North Face and Crocs, Bristol Zoo.”