The team behind the purchase of Summerhouse Community Farm in Lancaster has launched a £30,000 Crowdfunding campaign to bring a community-inspired vision for the site to life.
The farm, situated off Ashton Road, is offering an exciting opportunity for the community to get involved in creating and delivering practical solutions for local food resilience.
The site is currently permanent pasture but will be transformed into a productive community farm with a market garden, orchards and wildlife habitats.
A series of community consultations and workshops took place during 2025 which has led to the creation of a permaculture design for the site which means the farm will be developed in a holistic way that cares for both people and nature.
Funds raised by the Crowdfunder means the design can begin implementation soon in 2026.
The purchase of the farm is part of the wider vision of North Lancashire’s FoodFutures Partnership to see more land put into community ownership and being used for sustainable agriculture, education and growing healthy soils and food for local residents.
Ellen Pearce, Project Coordinator at LESS, said: “The farm is a fantastic space for people to get hands-on experience of local nature-friendly food production.”
“We hope it will also help to inspire more community owned agriculture in the district and provide opportunities for people to build skills and confidence to respond to the impacts of climate change in their own lives and communities.“
Anna Clayton, FoodFutures Coordinator added: “This campaign will allow us to lay strong foundations, so the farm can provide seasonal, organic produce for the local community with a focus on teaching skills and expertise in sustainable agriculture – but it’s just as important to create spaces for people to enjoy and get close to nature on their doorsteps.”
The initial target of £30,000 will include match-funding from the Aviva Community Fund which matches up to £250 of the first donation by each person until 11 March. There is also an enticing selection of rewards on offer to suit a range of pockets from veg boxes, workshops and harvest meals, to opportunities to commemorate a loved one by adopting a tree.
The team invites everyone to browse the rewards, watch the campaign video, donate and share with friends and family and help create a thriving community farm in the heart of Lancaster where both people and nature will reap the benefits.
Crowdfunder link
More information about Summerhouse Farm and what’s on.
