This vision has been made possible through the successful raising of over £1.3 million in community shares and a £600,000 loan from Triodos Bank.
Operating as a community benefit society, the farm aims to implement sustainable agricultural practises to protect the natural environment and support the local community.
Fostering positive change
The farm's main focus is a tunnel and field-scale production of organic fruits and vegetables, combining both traditional and modern farming practices that prioritise the environment, aiming to raise awareness about wildlife protection, climate change and sustainable farming techniques. Farming methods primarily revolve around agroforestry, incorporating trees and shrubs into the landscape to benefit soil health biodiversity and carbon emission reduction.
Kindling Farm’s commitment to such a holistic and ecologically responsible approach serves as an example for the future of farming, promising not only productive harvests but also a more environmentally conscious ethos - reshaping the food system’s impact on climate change and biodiversity loss.
The vision includes the creation of a social enterprise hub, with an overarching aim to foster discussions on climate change solutions and nurture relationships between likeminded people. These plans are backed by a large support network ready to turn ideas into a reality.
Ideas include inviting schools to the farm throughout the year where students learn about food production and where their food comes from, while the flower fields are expected to supply a range of industries including weddings and funerals across the Northwest.
Supporting the community
At the core of everything Kindling does is a strong sense of community. This community is part of a global movement advocating for food sovereignty which originated from small farmers in the global South - rejecting corporate control of agriculture and advocating for people's rights to shape and manage their own ecological food systems.
Helen Woodcock, co-founder and co-ordinator at Kindling, explains: “We want to create a food system in the Northwest that values growers and producers, respects and restores the land and prioritises the health and wellbeing of communities. If we want to make this vision a reality, we need to scale up what we’re doing and Kindling Farm will allow us to take that important step forward.”
Kindling provides training programmes including a commercial grower’s course and various volunteering opportunities, plus collaborates with various entities such as Veg Box People, which offers affordable organic projects for households. Kindling’s mission is to empower both urban and rural communities, fostering sustainable food economies that, in turn, create meaningful livelihoods by delivering training and nurturing innovative enterprises.
Speaking about the new finance, Jess Edwards, Relationship Manager at Triodos Bank UK, adds: “We’re very supportive of Kindling Farm’s vision of promoting sustainable farming practices, supporting local farmers, creating jobs and producing healthy, organic food while involving the local community. This project has the potential to make a significant social impact while protecting and prioritising nature and we hope it offers inspiration for similar projects across the country.”.
satka kennedyFANTASTIC..loved this, power to the people
Barry CrosslandI think that the article is interesting and inspiring. I will forward to friends. With climate change, I find gardening difficult and it is harder for farmers. I hope the project succeeds.
Lorna SmithGreat news! We need to go this way for ours and the ecosystem of this beautiful planets future.
Steve EdmondsonNurturing the soil, supporting natural wildlife and rejecting destructive factory farming is the only way to save our tiny planet for the future. Good luck.
David CurrantThis is a brilliant initiative. Have you taken inspiration from Fordhall Organic Farm near Market Drayton? The more community owned farms showing the way for sustainable farming the better!
David and Viola LangleyThank you for continuing to use money to promote community and societal improvement. We enjoy sharing your vision.
David Eldridgethis is great! Well done.
Ida MunsonI do hope this farm thrives, thus encouraging more to be developed.
Mary HoganWonderful work. Congratulations all concerned and keep it up. It ain't easy but you are at the vanguard here, love love love it!