£1.5 m rescue package underway as family faces losing its farming heritage
A mother and daughter farming family in Shropshire are facing the devastating prospect of losing their five-generation heritage unless a £1.5 million rescue package can be secured.
Barbara Jones and her daughter, Casha Bowles-Jones, of Babbinswood Farm near Oswestry, will be forced to sell the 176-acre organic farm if the funds are not raised by March 31st.
A dedicated team of supporters has launched a campaign to save the farm, proposing to place 116 acres into community ownership. The newly formed Babbinswood Farm Community Benefit Society (CBS) is spearheading the effort, offering non-profit community shares from just £50, alongside seeking donations and grants.
The family’s plight began with a divorce settlement in 2020, which compelled Barbara Jones to take out a loan to retain ownership. Soaring land prices, driven by tax loopholes and development potential, meant only expensive short-term financing was available, leaving them in a precarious financial position.
“We know that this is a huge mountain to climb,” said Casha Bowles-Jones. “But we and the community benefit society are passionate about saving the farm, sharing what we have here with the community and becoming stewards of the land for future generations.”
The CBS aims to purchase the land and lease it back to Barbara and Casha on a 100-year lease, allowing them to continue their organic and regenerative farming practices. Babbinswood Farm is notable for its ‘cow-calf dairy’ system, a practice they intend to maintain. They also run a farm shop and community garden.
Beyond food production, the CBS envisions Babbinswood Farm as a hub for nature-linked community activities, including volunteer days, farm trails, and educational events. The community share model will give members of the public a stake in the farm's future.
“People are passionate about saving Babbinswood Farm and its organic and holistic farming methods that care for their animals and protect soils, its rivers and biodiversity and its wider community benefits,” said Barbara Jones.
The Babbinswood Farm CBS draws inspiration from the successful Fordhall Community Land Initiative, which became England’s first community-owned farm in 2006. Charlotte Hollins, who led the Fordhall campaign and is now an advisor to Babbinswood, believes the share model can work again.
“The shareholders became our 8,000 community landlords overnight and it’s led to all the amazing changes that have made Fordhall into the incredible, successful, family-friendly centre it is today,” said Hollins.
Daisy Kirtley, a Babbinswood Farm CBS board member, urged the public to support the campaign. “If you want more land secure in the hands of the local community, please consider buying a share, donating, or spreading the word,” she said. “No more family farms lost to big agribusiness or developers. We want a lasting legacy of protected countryside, food security, and strong communities instead.”
For more information see babbinswoodfarmcbs.org.uk.
