Community bid submitted for Babbinswood Farm as fundraising passes £270,000

A community-led campaign to protect organic farmland in Shropshire has reached a major milestone after raising more than £270,000 to secure its future. The Babbinswood Farm Community Benefit Society (CBS) confirmed that the significant sum was made possible through the support of over 700 community shareholders and a wave of private donations.

Since the farm was placed on the market, it has attracted substantial interest from various buyers. In response to this stiff competition, the Directors of the CBS have officially submitted a formal bid to purchase a portion of the organic acreage on behalf of its members. This move represents a pivotal step in the effort to ensure the land remains under community stewardship rather than falling into private development or non-organic use.

If the bid proves successful, the society intends to safeguard the land as an organic resource in perpetuity. This legal protection would ensure that the fields are managed sustainably for generations to come, maintaining the soil health and biodiversity that have become a hallmark of the farm’s recent history.

The vision for the site extends well beyond traditional agriculture. The CBS plans to transform the area into a lasting community asset, which includes the development of a new permissive footpath to improve local access to the countryside. Organisers also hope to establish a dedicated space for land-based activities, designed to help people of all ages reconnect with nature and learn the intricacies of sustainable food production.

Despite the success of the current fundraising round, the campaign is ongoing. The society is still seeking contributions as it sets its sights on acquiring additional adjoining land to further expand the protected area. Continued financial support and volunteer involvement are seen as vital to strengthening the community’s ability to protect this local resource for the long term.

To celebrate the progress and bolster the remaining fund, Babbinswood Farm will host a Spring Craft and Vintage Fayre on Saturday, 21st March. Members of the public are invited to attend the farm to browse the stalls, learn more about the project, and support the community bid.

Those interested in the campaign can find more information regarding share offers and donations on the society’s official website at babbinswoodfarmcbs.org.uk or by following the Babbinswood Farm CBS social media pages for the latest updates on the bidding process.