MORE than 500 supporters have helped The Community Farm raise £65,000 in a Crowdfunder campaign aimed at securing the organisation’s future.

The funds raised will help the farm continue its work growing climate-friendly food, supporting local wildlife, and providing opportunities for people to learn and engage with environmental and community initiatives.

The campaign, which launched in October, was designed to support the ongoing operation of The Community Farm following a challenging year. Contributions from local residents and supporters across the South West have helped the farm make progress towards maintaining its activities.

The Community Farm, which has been operating for 15 years near Chew Valley Lake, welcomed around 3,500 visitors last year, including refugees, local schoolchildren, and adults experiencing mental ill health. The farm provides habitats for wildlife species such as dormice and little owls, supplies organic food to more than 500 households each week, and supports over 25 other ethical food producers across the South West.

As a not-for-profit social enterprise, the farm focuses on promoting sustainable food practices and fostering connections between local people and the natural environment. It operates as an organic growing project and offers a range of opportunities for the community, including educational sessions, volunteer programmes, events, and courses.

Donations to the Crowdfunder campaign will help the farm reduce its reliance on the often unpredictable and competitive grant funding that is required to support its ongoing work. Securing grants can be time-consuming and uncertain, leaving the farm vulnerable to shortfalls in funding that could impact its programmes.

Tom Richardson, co-managing director said:“We have been overwhelmed by support, The Community Farm was founded by volunteers and has grown over the years thanks to the generosity of thousands of local people contributing time, money and expertise to the cause. To see and feel this enormous wave of support again now, 15 years into this project, is phenomenal.

“Over those 15 years we have done all we can to provide the best possible service and experience to our community, so our most sincere thanks to everyone who donated and shared the campaign for showing their appreciation and support once again.”

Last month, the farm’s initial Crowdfunder campaign reached its £50,000 target in under three weeks, with more than 400 donors contributing from across the South West and beyond. The response far exceeded expectations, with supporters sharing messages of encouragement and personal stories highlighting the farm’s importance in the community.

That early success not only provided vital funding but also demonstrated the strong connection between the farm and the people it serves, laying the groundwork for the current campaign and reinforcing the continued commitment of local residents and supporters to ensure the farm’s future.

The Community Farm encourages people to stay informed by signing up for its newsletter at www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk/newsletter-signup.

Local residents can also order organic vegetable boxes, with the farm recently being recognised as one of the leading organic retailers in the UK.