Bath City Farm is launching a crowdfunding campaign on 1 November to raise £30,000 to cover running costs, maintain and grow services, and keep the site free at the point of access.
The money raised would pay for core costs such as staff to manage the farm site, rising energy costs, animal care costs such as bedding, food and vet bills and maintaining the site for the 42,000 people who visit the farm each year. The animals play a vital role in the targeted therapeutic work with participants of the farm’s health and wellbeing programmes. For many, the farm is a place to recover from acute mental distress and rebuild a healthier lifestyle, connecting with nature and each other.
The farm is a free resource for many families on a low income to spend a day out with children, to experience and meet farm animals and access vital green space. Visitors can also enjoy the nature trails around the 37-acre site, ponds, and children’s play areas, all of which cost money to maintain, for example, maintaining safe pathways and gardening the grounds and flower beds.
Bath City Farm is growing its services. It recently launched a new Roots to Work programme, providing work experience opportunities for people needing support to enter the jobs market to help them to build skills and confidence. It is also looking to increase the amount of food grown on site to be sold in their new café and farm shop.
The farm has recently launched a new free under 5’s group for local families and a programme for young people who require an alternative to mainstream education. With support they can sustain and grow these vital services and meet increased need in a challenging time for communities.
Farm Director Brendan Tate Wistreich, commented, “It is vital that we raise this £30,000 to care for our animals and maintain the Farm site over the next year. The money will cover vet bills, animal food, bedding and shelter as well as rising energy costs and funding the staff who make this place possible. Our beautiful site attracts around 42,000 people each year and they can visit the farm free of charge with no admission fee, your support makes this possible.
“This is a tough time for charities and many others, but we ask for those that can, to reach into your pockets and support us through this challenging time so that we can continue to be able to support those most affected by the current crises and keep this beautiful place open for those from Bath and beyond. “
To support Bath City Farm and donate please visit https://crowdfunder.co.uk/p/bathcityfarm