City farms are popping up around the country, offering urban dwellers the opportunity to get outdoors and connect with farming and nature.
As well as being places to learn about rearing livestock and growing crops, they offer the chance to create communities and learning opportunities on where food comes from.
All of these projects are free for visitors to attend and rely on volunteers and donations.
Here are just five situated in the UK:
Stonebridge City Farm, Nottingham
Set in the heart of Nottingham, Stonebridge keeps a varied mix of animals, including cows, sheep, pigs and goats, as well as smaller species which visitors are able to see outside in paddocks or in the barn area.
On-site gardens also grow seasonal plants and produce and herbs, some of which can be bought from the attached shop.
The farm offers a safe place for visitors and volunteers to see and learn about the day-to-day care of the different animals.
Multiple volunteering opportunities are offered, with the farm able to accommodate 150 volunteers on-site each week, with many having experienced mental health challenges or a learning disability.
@stonebridgecityfarm
Hackney City Farm, London
From pigs, sheep and goats to ducks and chickens, Hackney City Farm has been offering children and grown-ups the chance to get close to a range of farmyard animals, as well as plant vegetables and other garden produce for more than 35 years.
The site receives up to three school visits per week, with specific workshops designed to promote learning in the areas above.
The programme is also home to a unique school for up to 10 young people (aged 13-17), who require a tailor-made approach to their education.
@hackneycityfarm_official
Ouseburn Farm, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Set in the urban heart of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, this registered charity gives some 36,000 visitors a year the opportunity to learn about food, nature and farm life.
The project is also a care farm, offering placement programmes for adults with learning disabilities and autistic spectrum disorder.
Visitors can see grazing animals in fields, farmyard animals such as pigs, chickens and ducks, as well as smaller species and reptiles. There is also a well-stocked garden and orchard to explore.
@ouseburnfarmnewcastle
St Werburghs City Farm, Bristol
Advertised as a green oasis in Bristols heart, St Werburgh has been aiming to strengthen connections between land, animals and people for more than 40 years.
The farm is open to the public seven days per week and has a range of adult engagement opportunities, including English classes for asylum seekers and refugees experiencing poor mental health, run by Bristol Mind, volunteering and opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.
@stwerburghcityfarm
Spitalfields City Farm, London
With a vision is to create a space for all, Spitalfield aims to be a vibrant and multi-cultural community which provides educational opportunities for children and adults.
The site was set up by volunteers in 1978 and stills relies on volunteers today to help maintain the farm and gardens, look after the animals and assist in delivering projects.
From members of the public to corporate team days, the site welcomes a wide range of visitors every year.
@spitalfieldscityfarm
