Brandon’s partnership with Grimsbury Farm
For more than a decade, Brandon Trust has been committed to working in partnership with Grimsbury Community Farm in Kingswood.
We run the two cafes on the site, The Barn and The Hatch. They provide trainee placements and supported employment for autistic people and people with a learning disability.
Over the years, Brandon has invested time and money into making the cafes a thriving business and a place for the people we support to gain vital skills and experience in a busy catering environment.
Council’s search for a charity partner
Grimsbury Farm is owned by South Gloucestershire Council and is located on land set aside to provide an open space for local people. This currently includes grass paddocks, woodland, farm buildings, a duck pond, a playground, and a range of poultry and large and small animals.
Unfortunately, the farm’s financial position has deteriorated and it is now costing the council £250,000 a year to run.
With costs continuing to increase, the council has decided to create a new operating model which minimises the impact for taxpayers.
The council has asked interested organisations to bid to take the farm on and we are excited to share that Brandon has put forward a proposal to partner with the council and take over the whole farm site, in addition to our much-loved cafes.
Securing success for the future
Our proposal outlines our vision for the future of this cherished community farm, with exciting plans to develop and enhance the site.
We know we can create a sustainable and successful community farm that will continue to be used and loved by its loyal supporters for many years to come.
We want to create more education and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities, children, families, and residents of South Gloucestershire.
To expand on the activities and events already offered in our cafes, we also want to include bigger and better community events and workshops across the whole site.
Our long-term commitment includes:
- A skills centre, forest school sessions, and wellbeing activities for children and young people
- A farm shop and ‘field to fork’ food programme
- Artisan outlets, a children’s sustainable fashion shop, and co-working space for local enterprises
- Workshops, community events, volunteering opportunities
Brandon’s farming expertise
Thanks to our thriving social enterprise at Elm Tree Farm in Stapleton, we are well equipped with the specialist knowledge and experience needed in eco-friendly commercial farming and conservation activities.
Development of new facilities
We have also identified multiple ways we can develop the existing site with new facilities for the local community. This includes bringing in our experts in supporting young people, to help us develop a multi-use community hub.
We also want to support local businesses and artists by offering them a chance to showcase their work in an artisan hub. A hub which would be a haven of creativity for all ages to enjoy.
The potential for Grimsbury Farm is such an exciting opportunity that Brandon is experienced and ready to steer. We want to ensure we can keep this treasured local attraction growing and thriving for future generations to enjoy.
