A crowdfunding appeal to help create a community farm in Lancaster has raised more than 80 per cent of its target.
The team behind the purchase of Summerhouse Community Farm in Ashton Road launched the fundraiser last month.
The site is currently permanent pasture but will be transformed into a productive community farm with a market garden, orchards, agroforestry and wildlife habitats.
The purchase of the farm is part of the wider vision of North Lancashire’s FoodFutures Partnership to see more land put into community ownership and being used for sustainable agriculture, education and growing healthy soils and food for local residents.
The Aviva Foundation Communities Fund has agreed to match fund each first donation up to £250.
Anyone considering making a donation is urged to do so before March 11, when the match funding window closes.
LISTEN to Ellen Pearce from LESS talking about plans for the community farm
One of the campaign’s goals is to find a sponsor for the development of a large-scale mural about the importance and value of composting.
The mural will be painted on the end of the barn, to welcome people to the site.
An organisation or company logo could be included as part of the artwork, or a specific dedication included.
“We have just a few days now to take advantage of the match funding available from the Aviva Community Fund, so we’re urging anyone who is interested in donating to Summerhouse Community Farm or buying a reward to do so quickly," said Ellen.
“There are still some lovely rewards on offer including the first veg boxes from the site, joining a harvest feast and other workshops and events, which could also be bought as gifts for friends or family.”
“We are also looking for a local company who might be willing to sponsor a large-scale mural which demonstrates the importance of composting and celebrates the magic of nutrient cycling," said Diana McIntyre, Compost Champion at LESS.
“Making ‘waste’ from the farm into compost to grow food is integral to our approach.
“We are keen to welcome people to the site with a community mural which frames this important aspect of the farm.”
At time of writing, more than £25,000 had been donated via the online fundraising page.
You can donate to the Crowdfunder and find out more HERE.
LESS is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company set up in 2007 to provide practical support to help the residents of Lancashire live more sustainably. It coordinates a wide range of environmental and community projects, including North Lancashire's FoodFutures.
Read more: £30k campaign launched for new Lancaster community farm - Beyond Radio
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