Charity launches search for new farm in the north

Farms for City Children is teaming up with the Country Land and Business Association  (CLA) to look for a new farm in the north of England, to give even more children from the region’s towns and cities the chance to experience the ‘muck and magic’ of living and working together for a week on a real farm.

Former Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo, and his wife Clare founded Farms for City Children 34 years ago. Each year, 3,000 children from schools around the country spend a week on one of our three farms in the south of the country.

The charity, which is supported by the CLA Charitable Trust, is looking for a large farmhouse suitable for conversion into residential accommodation for 36 plus children and a partnership with one or more neighbouring farmers, to provide the hands-on farming activities which are at the heart of the experience. The farm needs to be fairly centrally situated with around 200 acres.

CLA North Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn said: “Farms for City Children is a fantastic charity, which provides much needed opportunities for young people to connect with the countryside and gain a better understanding of where the food they eat comes from.

“This is a once in a lifetime chance to help more children from urban environments to broaden their horizons by learning about farming and land management so I would urge any farmers or landowners who might be able to help to get in touch.”

Helen Chaloner of Farms for City Children said: “Throughout the year, in all seasons and all weathers, the children staying at the farms work in teams alongside the farmers and our staff.

“A carefully structured programme of jobs includes milking and mucking out, lambing and calving, feeding and grooming – even apple pressing and cheese making.”

Farms for City Children would like to hear from anyone who knows of a suitable property, available either freehold or on a long lease hold. Please contact Helen Chaloner on: 01392 276381 or e-mail helen@farmsforcitychildren.org