A Lancaster based social enterprise is looking for a landowner that’s willing to sell land for a pioneering community farm, education and training centre.
LESS is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company set up in 2007 to provide practical
Supported by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Funding, LESS is looking for land to purchase in Lancaster District for a community farm, to support the residents of Lancashire live more sustainably.
They’re calling on the Lancaster District food networks to support it in finding a landowner who wants to leave a legacy to the District and play a role in supporting a thriving local food system that is healthy, resilient and fair.
They seek to buy 10-60 acres to be used for agroecological food growing, as an education and training centre, and to host a range of other small enterprises and community initiatives that connect people with nature, food and the seasons.
The project will contribute towards the vision of a district where local residents have access to fresh local food, and where we build climate resilience through nature friendly farming.
Ellen Pearce, coordinator of the project and staff Director at LESS, commented: “Over the last few years, LESS has set up a market garden (The Plot) which has been supplying organic veg to around 50 households a week and to local cafes and shops.
‘’We also run a FarmStart training programme to equip people with the horticulture and business skills needed to run a small veg growing enterprise. This is part of our plan for increasing capacity within the District for growing healthy fruit and veg.
‘’We are now looking to build on these experiences to expand the amount of fruit and vegetables grown in the District and to be able to offer land as incubator plots for new growers and for a range of local food programmes and small businesses.
‘’The farm will also become the home for a food hub that collates and distributes food from a range of local food producers, and it will potentially be a key part of the infrastructure to support the Food Justice Partnership which works to ensure that everyone can access good quality, affordable food.”
Anna Clayton, coordinator of FoodFutures and also a staff Director at LESS added: “We are interested to hear from landowners who have an interest in passing land into community ownership, and who would work with us during the next 6 months to complete a sale.
‘’We are looking for land with a good aspect, soil analysis, and aspect/exposure suitable for growing – south, south/east or south/west facing, and suitable for a farm business.
‘’Ideally with good road access and public transport options, the site will be between 10-60 acres and be close to Lancaster and Morecambe. We have a detailed wish list, but are also open to exploring a range of sites and possibilities!”
To find out more, or to support this vision in becoming a reality, please contact Ellen Pearce on ellen@lessuk.org
Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
Morecambe MP says Sir Keir Starmer "has made right decision" as Prime Minister resigns
Limited edition artwork will raise vital funds for Lancaster community group
Green Heritage Plaque marks first home of Lancaster University
New home revealed for £20m Morecambe West End regeneration scheme
Wooden nests take flight in Lancaster and Morecambe to stop decline of endangered birds
Veterans salute as Armed Forces Day flag raised at start of celebration weekend in Morecambe
Vandals cause delays to aqueduct sinkhole repairs in Lancaster
Extra Care scheme to open in Lancaster
Three people taken to hospital after road traffic collision in Morecambe
Injured police officer speaks of anger after jailed man freed 16 days after sentence
Morecambe woman to brave the shave to help dogs stay with their families
M6 near Lancaster to close for resurfacing
Full line-up for biggest ever Armed Forces weekend in Morecambe
Lancaster District residents thanked for embracing food waste recycling
More gridlocks in Heysham as roundabout resurfacing works 'over-run'
