Gardening and growing skills, planting seeds and feeding chickens and rabbits are among the green activities for families at Phoenix Farm
A community farm in White City is set to launch weekly family drop-in sessions with the help of a new fundraising drive.
Gardening, growing skills, planting seeds and feeding chickens and rabbits are among the green activities for families at Phoenix Farm, in Bloemfontein Road.
Phoenix Farm – which is run by Hammersmith Community Gardens Association (HCGA) – will open its gates for the free sessions from this week, welcoming local families from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays and from 4pm to 6pm on Thursdays. The Farm, which is co-located with local secondary Phoenix Academy, also runs a weekly youth club for pupils from the school.
"Phoenix Farm is a haven for wildlife and people in the heart of the White City," explained Cathy Maund, director of HCGA. "The farm includes an acre of fruit, flowers and vegetables along with chickens, rabbits and bees. During the summer months the farm will be open for family drop-in sessions on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings."
Free family sessions
To ensure funding for the free family sessions, HCGA has partnered with match funding platform The Big Give as part of its Green Match Fund 2023, which runs until 27 April.
With a target of £2,500, Phoenix Farm could receive a total of £5,000 as the platform ensures every pound donated will be matched by funders including philanthropists, businesses and foundations.
"Please consider a donation to the HCGA before 27 April to fund the evening and weekend family sessions at Phoenix Farm in White City," urged Cathy.
"Donating now means The Green Match Fund will double your donation and double your impact."
The first of the new family sessions will be held on Saturday (22 April), to coincide with the annual Earth Day celebrations and national Good to Grow campaign.
Set up in 2007, the farm boasts more than 40 varieties of vegetable and herbs, alongside a community orchard, soft fruits and wildlife area.
Glasshouses, polytunnels and a series of planting beds mean the farm provides a learning resource year-round, as well as offering volunteering opportunities.
Meanwhile, local restaurant Sam's Riverside is a long-term supporter of the project, donating £1 on every bill to HCGA.
Find out more about HCGA or donate to the fundraiser for Phoenix Farm here.
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