28/09/2023
Some very exciting news for our farm π
πππ GREAT NEWS!!! We have been successful with our bid for grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Woodoaks Farm has been awarded Β£200K that will provide funds for a Development Phase allowing us to work up a detailed proposal to convert the concrete building adjacent to The Black Barn, to create a flexi-use space for education and community events.
β¨β¨Once the Development Phase is successfully completed and approved, it potentially unlocks further vital funds to cover the cost of build work, landscape enhancements and our education and volunteering programme for 3 years. β¨β¨
"This is an incredibly significant boost - both financially and emotionally for us allβ.
As custodians of the farm, it is hugely reassuring to be recognised in this way for all the hard work we have done so far.
We can now build on this momentum, knowing we have the right support to provide this invaluable, inclusive community space, that will inspire people to reconnect with food, farming and nature". - Rose Lewis, Programme Manager for Woodoaks
Without Sally Findlay none of this would be possible - "Living in this corner of Hertfordshire for 80 years, Iβve seen many changes, including the motorway cutting the farm into four and I worry that we are increasingly separating from nature. We need to recover a healthy balance.
In giving Woodoaks Farm to the Soil Association Land Trust, it's always been my hope that future generations, and the plants and animals on the farm, can all be part of a community that lives together for the benefit of all.
Iβm delighted that this project will give us a great space for our meetings and studies and will be a hub for the community for many years to come."
πΈ Seen here in this photo are just some of the community who put the beats into the heart of Woodoaks Farm.
πππ We cannot thank EVERYONE enough for your support, kind words of encouragement, practical acts, donations and kindness to date. We hope you'll join us in our exciting journey ahead.
In the picture below β¦
Sally Findlay
Romeytbrough.monoprints.oil paintings
Rickey and Seby - of Rickeyβs Alkaline Market Garden
Melanie of Golden Rose Flower Farm
Steve and John Whitby - Woodoaks Tenant Farmers
David - Soil Association Land Trust
Rose - Soil Association Land Trust
Martin & Ben - Creative Juices Brewing Company
Steve Rolfe - Carpenter
Harry of Epsom Rural
Rosie the dog
Sue, Gary, Bernie, Vidiya, Jean, Roger, Shelley
Invaluable volunteers!
Sue - Soil Association (behind the camera)
The Tea Shack (in spirit as sadly they were flat out serving cake and coffee to customers π°βοΈ)