Community rallies as 'Save Babbinswood Farm' appeal surpasses £220,000
The ambitious campaign to protect the future of Babbinswood Farm has reached a pivotal milestone this week. In a surge of local generosity, the project has raised over £80,000 in recent weeks, propelling the total to more than £220,000.
The campaign, driven by community share purchases and private donations, is now within touching distance of its £250,000 minimum target.
A Unique Agricultural Legacy
Babbinswood Farm has earned a reputation across the region for its pioneering approach to ethical agriculture. The farm is known for its "calf-at-foot" dairy practices, where cows raise their own calves, and for providing organic, surplus milk directly to the local population.
However, the farm’s future has been clouded by financial necessity. The campaign was launched to repay an initial altruistic loan that allowed the community share offer to commence.
A Race Against Time
Barbara Jones, the current owner and farmer at Babbinswood, has delayed listing the property on the open market to give the community every possible chance to secure the land.
"I had high hopes that the community would step in to save all 117 acres of Babbinswood Farm," Barbara admitted. "Sadly, I can’t wait any longer. The initial funders need to be repaid, and the farm must now be put up for sale."
While the original dream of saving the entire 117-acre site may be out of reach, the revised £250,000 target ensures that a smaller, vital portion of the land remains in community hands.
The New Year’s Eve Deadline
The community now has until 31 December 2025 to raise the final £30,000. If this minimum is not met, the land could be sold to external parties, including developers or energy companies - a prospect the organisers describe as a "worst-case scenario."
Casha, who farms the land alongside Barbara, remains optimistic about the recent momentum. "It is absolutely incredible the support we have seen," she said. "Even saving part of the farm matters. It keeps land rooted in community values, organic farming, and care for animals and people."
How to Support the Campaign
With only days remaining until the deadline, organisers are making a final plea for support. Members of the public can contribute by purchasing community shares, which are available at £50 per share.
