City farm's future at risk due to large repair bills

One of London's oldest city farms could be forced to close if it can't raise much-needed funds to complete essential repairs.

Deen City Farm has been community asset in Merton, south-west London since it was founded in 1978 and attracts around 130,000 visitors a year.

The farm had a major setback last year after its ageing power infrastructure broke down at a time when other costs were also rising.

Although an initial fundraising campaign raised £50,000 in less than 48 hours, it needs a further £30,000 to get back on track.

In December 2023, the farm's ageing three-phase electrical system suffered a major failure which meant it couldn't run at full capacity with staff having to buy in generators and other electrical infrastructure to keep the farm going.

Chair of Trustees at Deen City Farm Matt Linden said: "From December 2023 to August, we were running at a much reduced capacity.

"We had to curtail certain activities, fewer parties, etc. We also had additional costs of hiring things in so we could keep working.

"That combined with the rising cost of repairs, the rising costs of animal feed and other things meant we were coming to a difficult financial situation at one time, our future was very much in doubt."

While it receives some funding from Merton Council because of its educational value, most of its income is from the visitors who walk through the gates, which is a suggested donation of £3 per person.

The farm set up an online fundraiser with an initial target of £50,000 to get it through the worst of the repair bill.

It reached its target within two days.

"We were absolutely staggered by the generosity of the public, what they were saying about the farm and how quickly they provided us with that money and how so many people were absolutely certain they needed to keep going.

"We really need to thank those people who helped us but also to stress it's not entirely over yet," said Matt Linden, Chair of Trustees, Deen City Farm.

The site offers work experience to over 240 students a year, over half of whom are disabled as well as volunteering opportunities for around 200 people a year.

The extra £30,000 is needed to develop the farm so that families and schools keep returning.

If Deen City Farm can’t raise the money then there’s a real possibility it could close.

“We'd have to sell the animals and that resource wouldn't be here.

"But also, the whole of Merton would lose out on that, or the schools in Merton would lose out on that ability to be able to come here to learn about farming.

"On so many levels it would be somewhat of a tragedy."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]