As a valued open space at the heart of the community, Grimsbury Farm provides opportunities for people to connect with nature, support their wellbeing, learn new skills, and enjoy time with family and friends. We’re proud to have been chosen to build on the farm’s strong foundations and help it thrive for years to come.
Building on an existing connection
Brandon is already part of the Grimsbury Farm community through the cafe, which provides work experience and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities. This existing presence has given us a strong understanding of the farm, its visitors, and the important role it plays locally.
Following a thorough assessment process and engagement with potential partners, South Gloucestershire Council selected Brandon Trust to take on the farm’s operation, recognising our experience, local presence, and commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
Read more about our proposal to run the farm (published in June 2025), and the commitments we made to create a sustainable and successful community farm.
Grimsbury Farm is a special place
In recent months, we’ve been working closely with South Gloucestershire Council to prepare for the transition and put arrangements in place to support the farm’s long-term success.
Helen England, Chief Executive at Brandon Trust, said:
“Grimsbury Farm is a much-loved part of the local community, and we are proud that South Gloucestershire Council has entrusted Brandon Trust with its future. We know how much this special place means to local people, and our commitment is to protect what makes the farm so valued while creating even more opportunities for people to enjoy it.
“We want Grimsbury Farm to be a place where everyone feels welcome – a place to connect with nature, learn new skills, spend time with family and friends, and be part of the community. By working closely with local people, volunteers and partner organisations, we will build on the farm’s strong foundations and help it thrive, while creating meaningful opportunities for autistic people and people with learning disabilities.”
A shared commitment
Councillor Alison Evans, South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Public Health, welcomed the agreement, describing Grimsbury Farm as a much-loved asset that is important to local communities.
She said Brandon Trust’s commitment to inclusion and community benefit, alongside our established presence at the site, makes us well placed to build on everything that makes the farm special.
Exciting opportunities ahead
As we begin operating Grimsbury Farm from 1 August, our focus will be on preserving everything people value about the farm while creating new opportunities for the community to get involved, learn, connect, and enjoy this special place.
We’re excited to start this new chapter and look forward to sharing more updates as our plans develop.
If you have any questions about Brandon Trust taking on the lease at Grimsbury Farm, please read our FAQs.
