Short summary of Farm Trustees’ meetings

Short summary of Farm Trustees’ meetings  

May 2025 

Finances: The Farm ended its financial year to 30 April 2025 with a small surplus.  Well done and thank you to everyone for contributing, whether time or money! With the end of our major Lottery grant coming soon, an intensive round of fundraising from the larger funders/charities was led by Nicole (note that the Farm does not receive any direct Government or Local Government funding). The Trustees were delighted (and not a little relieved) to sign off on a balanced budget for the forthcoming year (25/26). The Farm is now looking to recruit a Fundraising Officer (Paid, Part-Time) to help with moving the Farm onto a more sustainable financial basis.

Subgroups: The Trustees confirmed the Farm's subgroups for each area of focus (Grow, Thrive, Sustain, and Learn). Each group will be led by a Trustee and look out for Volunteer opportunities to contribute. 

June 2025 

Schools: We are looking to expand our programme and taster sessions have been given to a further three local schools so they can see the impacts of regular attendance at the Farm. 

Building: Good news from our surveyor was that the Kitchen and office is good for another 5 to 10 years. The “Grow” subgroup has been tasked with envisaging what should happen on site after that! In the meantime, we will need to do roof repairs and other maintenance and will be looking for specific funding. 

Health and Safety: Reports in the press of illness at other farms highlighted the need for all our visitors to wash their hands after interacting with our animals, leading to the introduction of our new portable handwash.