Many people would be surprised to learn that Islington is one of the London boroughs with the least green space – and also one of the poorest. All of this means that the work of places such as Freightliners City Farm is all the more valuable. They offer the chance to experience a real working farm in action – as well a little taste of the countryside in the heart of the city.

The farm keeps a wide range of animals, including a number of rare breeds, which visitors (particularly children) are allowed to pet. As well as the animals, the farm also grows its own vegetables (which you can buy from the farm) and also runs regular educational workshops as well as a community composting scheme. Freightliners collects garden waste from local households, which is composted on-site. In order to demonstrate the benefits of composting, the farm gives all participating households a complimentary bag of compost on their first visit, as well as ongoing discounts on everything they buy from their Garden Centre and Carpentry Workshop.

The local community is encouraged to really get involved with the farm, through volunteering. There are currently over 70 volunteers, carrying out activities ranging from cleaning out the animal pens to providing administrative support – even directing the farm’s annual opera! If you read the stories on Freightliners’ website, you realise the impact that it has had on them – life changing in some cases. Volunteering at the farm not only allows people to do something they really enjoy doing – it enables them to develop new skills, through accredited training courses, and gain more confidence in themselves.

Case study issued in November 2005