A crowdfunder to raise much-needed cash to support a new community-run farm in the Kirkstall Valley has so far raised more than £11,000.
But organiser Kirkstall Valley Development Trust (KVDT) is urging people to help them reach its £20,000 target in the next three weeks.
Every pound people give will be doubled by an unnamed local benefactor, meaning there is a chance to raise £40,000.
KVDT’s Chris Hill said:
“[This is] a tremendous start to to the Farm – allowing us to buy the poly tunnels we need and decent social space for the community.”
You can donate to the crowdfunder here.
An open meeting will give people the chance to find out more about the farm plans and discuss what people want to happen on the site, between Kirkstall Road and the River Aire.
Suzy Russell from the Community Supported Agriculture Network will be talking about how other community farms have succeeded.
The event runs on Wednesday 22nd Jan, 7.30pm, upstairs at the Cardigan Arms
Registration and details here.
As previously reported, Leeds City Council has agreed to lease the 16-acre Burley Mills Farm (now known as Kirkstall Valley Farm) and allotments to the community for a minimum of five years from April at an affordable rent.
The Farm will supply fresh veg to local residents, host community and education projects and be a social focus for the whole of Kirkstall Valley. There are also a set of allotments where organic growers are welcome.
KVDT is hoping to buy a tractor, equipment, polytunnels, green manure seed, toilets, a collection hut and social area and making the site secure. By the end of 2020 they want to be gearing up for full production.
Kirkstall Valley Development Trust is a community benefit society set up in 2016 to develop a learning and leisure park over 200 acres of inner West Leeds and to refurbish Abbey Mills in Kirkstall for housing and community use.
