Nick Lakin from FoodFutures looks back at a wet and windy Saturday at Lancaster’s new community farm…
More than 60 people attended the first open day at Lancaster’s new community farm at the weekend, despite torrential rain and gale force winds!
Bought by Lancaster Community Interest Company LESS earlier this year, Summerhouse Farm sits on an exposed spot sloping down to the Lancaster Canal and overlooking the Lune Estuary and Heysham’s power stations.
On a clear day the views are pretty special, but there was precious little shelter from Storm Amy as tours of the three acre site still went ahead between the downpours!
The large L-shaped barn which is the hub of the site did allow activities and plenty of conversations to take place, albeit at times it was hard to hear each other over the rattling roof!
As well as giving people the opportunity to see the site for the first time, there was lots of discussion about its future, and what kinds of things it could be used for.
A huge amount of feedback was shared on everything from the name of the site (the emerging favourite is Summerhouse Community Farm), to suggestions for farm activities, and groups that would like to get involved or more detailed design and usage.
People were able to vote on ideas including vegetable and mushroom growing, orchards, areas for wildlife, livestock, a farm shop, composting, beekeeping, and even a cafe.
Everything that happens there will be entirely based on feedback from the community and stakeholders.
One local historian who attended the open day told of how the site used to belong to the former Royal Albert Asylum (now Jamea Al Kauthar), across the road, and that the boys and girls there would learn farming skills, and provide food for the hospital.
Thank you to everyone who braved the elements and joined us for the open day!
Learnings about the history of the site and all of the ideas put forward will be brought together into a permaculture design for the farm. This will be unveiled at an event at the farm on November 8, where you’ll also be able to learn more about its history. Spaces will be limited, so please book your place if you would like to attend via this link.
