Action Briefing Dec 2005 - Jan 2006
	The Newsletter of Birmingham Friends of the Earth

Fordhall Farm: an introduction

Guest article: Fordhall Farm, on the outskirts of Market Drayton, Shropshire, has launched a new and exciting project called the Fordhall Community Land Initiative.

We plan to open Fordhall to the public as an educational and enjoyable resource promoting sustainable farming and healthy living. The hope is that the farm will be owned and run by the community for the benefit of the community, promoting sustainable farming techniques and healthy living.

Our first phase is to secure the land. We have until the 1st July 2006 to raise the £800,000 required to purchase the freehold. We believe that Fordhall can go a long way to educating children and families on the full pasture to plate cycle, and the importance of wildlife diversity, energy efficiency and sustainability. Dad spent his life researching farming techniques that made the most of the natural world. He strongly believed, as we do, that intensive farming is not the only way to farm and that there are better alternatives.

By buying shares in the Fordhall Community Land Initiative people are really investing in their values - it is not just about saving a small farm on the edge of a market town, but about investing in the wider issues it represents. That is why the project will succeed and why the Initiative has already received share requests from Italy, France and Australia! Shares are available at £50 each and are non-profit making. Donations are also welcomed, as are volunteers or materials.

More information and share applications are available on-line at www.fordhallfarm.com.

Charlotte and Ben Hollins