Our members are called stakeholders. A stakeholder can be an individual, a family, or a small group of friends. No previous experience is needed and there’s plenty to be gained – just have a look at the Benefits.
Membership is by annual subscription of £25 and a commitment to spend at least 120 hours a year working on growing-related activities. This is an average of 10 hours a month but you should expect the time to fluctuate with the demands of your team’s crops. In deep winter, there is often less growing work and you might do fewer than average hours. In Spring and Summer, most teams are very busy with planting, sowing, watering, weeding, and harvesting and you are likely to make up for any quiet time.
In exchange, you take a share of the crops for a small charge, normally no more than a third of the equivalent retail price.
Interested? Get in touch
Individual or group?
Members are known as stakeholders. A stakeholder can be an individual, or a small group of friends or family who make up the minimum work commitment (and share of the produce) between themselves.
Everyone is welcome.
Most stakeholders have little or no growing experience when they join. All the necessary guidance and equipment is provided.
Children are welcome. The farm isn’t a play space but it’s wonderful to see children engaging with growing, with each other, and other community members.
Any level of physical ability is welcome. No one needs to dig who isn’t comfortable doing so. That’s the beauty of working together.
At least 120 hours of growing work a year (average 10 hours/month, consistently)
The expectation of work is based on the minimum that is needed to prepare for, plant, nurture, and harvest the crops across the community and through the whole year. You should expect to be flexible. Some months are busier than others: for example, the height of summer demands regular watering that won’t wait. Consistency is important; otherwise, it’s hard for Team Leaders to plan and get the work done.
Come when you like.
We have community times when many stakeholders are at the farm together but you can do your hours whenever suits you.
You’ll work as part of a team.
Stakeholders work in teams so you’ll soon get to know other people.
Everything is provided.
All tools and equipment is provided by the farm. We even have child-sized tools to make it easier for children to join in! Expert Growers, Team Leaders, and other stakeholders provide all the guidance you’ll need, even if you’ve never grown a thing before.
We have a composting loo for emergency moments and places to wash your hands. We also have access to hot water and refreshments at community times.
We are Highbridge Community Farm.
The “Community” part of our name is as important as the “Farm” part. We support each other and we hold regular events where we can share skills and celebrate milestones.
