Local MP Wera Hobhouse is celebrating Bath City’s Farm’s 25th birthday by tabling an Early Day Motion in Parliament.
Wera Hobhouse said: “Bath City Farm is a vital community hub which proves its tremendous value to our city every day of the year. The national city farm movement originally came into being to connect people with food and with farming. They have evolved to do much more than this. They provide essential support to the vulnerable in our society, for example those facing mental health challenges or loneliness.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the compassion and resourcefulness of our city. Bath City Farm has been a strong link in the chain of local charities and other organisations who have helped those in need. The farm’s staff and volunteers cooked and delivered thousands of meals. I am delighted to show my appreciation to everyone connected with Bath City Farm by tabling an Early Day Motion in Parliament.
“City farms across the UK are facing very challenging times. That’s what I am calling on the Government to fully recognise the vital role that city farms play in the provision of a wide range of services for vulnerable members of the community.”
Mike Collins, one of the Trustees at Bath City Farm, said: “Bath City Farm was saved as a precious and much loved green space in the mid-1990s. Thanks to a people-powered campaign, the farm has become integral to life across Bath. Thousands visit the farm every year and it provides support for members of the local community and opportunities to volunteer. In addition to cooking and delivering meals during lockdown, our team checked in regularly with our volunteers and kept visitors in touch with the farm via live animal feeding on Facebook.
“These are very challenging times for city farms across the UK and Bath City Farm launched its largest-ever fundraising appeal in May to help keep this special place thriving. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of people, we have reached our target in time for our 25th birthday.
“We are so grateful to all of our staff, volunteers, funders and donors and look forward to continuing to make a huge difference to Bath residents in the months and years to come.”
