Many city farms offer the chance for local residents to experience a taste of the countryside in the city. Paddington Farm Trust (PFT) takes things one step further and offers residents of central London the chance to experience the countryside, well, in the countryside.  

PFT is a 43 acre organic farm in the heart of Glastonbury, that was set up to provide holiday accommodation for groups of people on low incomes and other socially excluded people from Westminster and Paddington. In addition, they also run residential environmental education programmes for groups.

Charity, youth, community and family and friends groups are welcome at the farm. PFT believes that valuable nature can be found both in the city and outside it, but that sometimes rural open spaces are of particular benefit.   People feel excluded from such open spaces for a variety of reasons which the farm can help overcome - amongst them fear, lack of confidence, lack of money, and poor access to transport.

Everyone who visits is encouraged to get involved in the farm’s activities, including organic gardening and looking after the animals. Through this, they learn about the countryside, and about issues such as conservation and recycling. Most importantly, by trying new activities and learning new things, in a space outside the pressures of their everyday lives, visitors gain confidence and a greater sense of being part of society.

Case study issued in November 2005