Somerset: New community farm calling for more volunteers and funds

A community farm, which offers "horticultural therapy" for adults with learning difficulties and addiction, is seeking volunteers and further funding.

Wedmore Village Farm, Somerset, is being developed as a "multi-functional" space for the community in partnership with local charities.

A crowdfunding campaign has raised money to develop the five acre organic plot but further funds are needed.

"People are really desperate to get stuck in," said founder, Tristan Faith.

The project, which was established in 2023, aims to be an educational and social hub providing sustainably-cultivated food and charitable services.

The farm is partnered with the local charity, Somewhere House, to provide a space for people recovering from addiction, and the mental health charity, the Men's Sheds, which helps tackle rural social isolation.

A sensory garden is also being designed for adults with learning difficulties as part of the Care Farming scheme.

The community has already raised nearly £3,000 to help pay for vital equipment such as polytunnels, compost, seed and education packs, but the target of £15,000 is yet to be reached.

Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset, Mr Faith said volunteers had already come forward to start planting up to 900 trees.

"I'm always bowled over by how many people really need and want these spaces. You see the weight of the world lift off their shoulders."

One of the volunteers, Kaye Squire, was encouraged to take part in the project by her seven-year-old daughter, Willow.

"We moved to Wedmore several years ago and we chose to move here because it's green and the community is strong," she said.

"It's getting back to nature as well; having that chance to interact with like-minded people and just get out there and enjoy the space together. It's a really healthy thing for us in lots of different ways."

At the core of the farm's purpose is a commitment to growing fresh, organic produce, not only for the Wedmore community, but also for food banks in Glastonbury, Cheddar and Shepton Mallet.

"It's seeing people and the planet interacting in a harmonious way and feeling the joy of the people around me; there with their neighbours, meeting new people whilst the flowers, the food and the fruits are growing up all around them.

"I just love seeing that," added Mr Faith.

Ms Squire said her daughter was already looking forward to returning to the farm when everything is in bloom.

"Willow has planted a patch of roses. It's a lovely thing for her that in all the years to come, she will visit and remember, and see them grow with her."

Visitors are being invited to the farm on 22 March for the official launch of the enterprise.

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