Broadclyst Community Farm

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About the project

 

This is a project working closely with the National Trust to develop a community farm at Broadclyst, near the Killerton Estate. Since Jan 2011 the group have been leasing 32 acres from the Trust with the aim of providing the following:.

• improvements in community health through the provision of high quality, low cost food, community recreation areas and horticultural opportunities;
• opportunities for membersof the community, especially those who are disadvantaged, to grow their own food by providing land, shared expertise, co-operative work and shared equipment;
• educational opportunities for community members, including schools and colleges, through training, participation and observation of environmentally sustainable land management and farming practice; and
• improved community cohesion through co-operative activity and community social events.

Farm Vision:

A sustainable community run farm providing food and education for supporters and local people while re-establishing the environmental and agricultural heritage of the farm through the support of its members.

The scheme to be operated within Broadclyst will be one of the largest undertaken in the Country in terms of acreage (32 acres). It’s the flagship scheme on National Trust property.  It is intended that Broadclyst Community Farm will ultimately supply at least 200 families through a vegetable scheme with occasional meat and eggs.

Objectives

The objectives of Broadclyst Community Farm are:

• To provide vegetables to members of the community from June 2011.
• To provide meat, vegetables and poultry products to 200 families by 2015.
• To a provide poultry, animal and horticultural products, from a financially and environmentally sustainable farm, by 2015.
• To restore the farmland to the small fields shown in the 18th Century Map by 2015.
• To introduce nature trails and conservancy as a major benefit to the community by 2015.

Supporters for Broadclyst Community Farm come from all parishes surrounding Broadclyst parish, plus Exeter, Collumpton and Honiton.

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Latest News

May 2012

New polytunnel erected on site (see pictures)

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November 2011

Broadclyst Community Farm have recently received 420 native saplings from the Woodland Trust and will be hosting community tree planting events starting Saturday 26th November 2011. Helpers welcome. Tools provided.

Latest Broadsheet newsletter. Pictures at bottom of page.

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February 2011 

We held an Orchard Planting Day on Saturday 26th February 11am - 3pm., with storytelling, lucky dip and lots for all the family.

The story telling was based on Apples / Orchards, in the puppet workshop the children made 'Apple People', based on old apple names such as 'King of the Pippins' and 'The Bloody Butcher'.

Download poster here.

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October 2010

First Pigs and Fruit Trees for Broadclyst Community Farm

 Broadclyst Community Farm received its first pigs this week, meaning there will be free range sausages and pork ready for Christmas.

Six young pigs arrived last Saturday and immediately took to their new paddock, rooting around in long grass and eating apples and bread from their trough.

The pigs have been purchased with money raised through supporter donations to the farm and they will be looked after on a twice-daily basis by the farm’s volunteer Livestock Group.

The plan is that the sausages and pork from five of the pigs will be available at Christmas to “Supporters of Broadclyst Community Farm”.

The remaining pig will be kept for breeding and the Livestock Group believe it will be the all-black young female. She shows signs of good breeding and has a lovely, friendly nature.

Broadclyst Community Farm has also been approved for a community tree planting pack at least 420 sapling trees from the Woodland Trust.

People are encouraged to come along and get involved in planting the saplings at Broadclyst Community Farm Open Day on 13^th November (11am – 3pm).

There will also be a chance to see what is currently happening on the farm, to meet the pigs and sheep, to see the plans for the farm over the next 5 years and to speak to existing volunteers about getting involved. This could be in preparing the fields for crop planting, tending the crops as they grow, fundraising and becoming a supporter.

Broadclyst Community Farm is also looking for a volunteer Treasurer and Secretary. If you are interested in knowing more about either role please contact the Chair on 01392 881797 or communityfarm@broadclyst.org. The Open Day would also be a good opportunity to find out more.

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Aug 2010

HogCO helped and supported the group during 2 public meetings in Nov 2009.  HogCO also funded training on Legal and Governance issues in April 2010. CCD's Social Enterprise Officer proved advice on incorporation as a community group.

Another HogCO group that were hoping to lease land from the National Trust from West Devon visited Broadclyst and met with the group and National Trust representative to learn from their valuable experience.

our first pigs	new hens May 2011
1000 kg potatoes planted!