Volunteers Transform Fordhall

Such as great weekend! Over 50 volunteers descended on Fordhall Farm over the weekend to put thier hands to numerous activities including clearing out old farm buildings, painting and planting hedgerows. Also, there was more hedge laying training which was hughly successful - the hedgerow really compliments the nature trail and is an excellent example of sustainable management techniques.

There were more volunteers than usual at the weekend as there was lots of preparation for the upcoming AGM on March 31st and the Farm Open Day on April 1st. The weekend went incrediably smoothly thanks to all the volunteers who organised and ran the catering and supervised other activities. Their time and expertise ensured the weekend was such a success. Thank you!

The volunteer weekends are becoming increasingly popular as people look to working outside for relaxation. The next volunteer weekend will be held over the weekend on March 31st and April 1st at the first ever AGM for Fordhall Community Land Initiative. Following this, the next planned weekend is April 21st and 22nd when as well as the usual activities, there also be a Forest School guide present to advise volunteers on designing educational games.

Anyone interested should either email project@fordhallfarm.com or phone Sophie on 01630 638656. Places must be booked in advance as spaces are limited. You do not have to have any skills to take part, just enthusiasm! Other ways of helping out could include providing food for the weekend such as cakes and bread. There is more information about upcoming volunteer working weekends at http://www.fordhallfarm.com/ or phone Sophie on 01630 638656.

Snow Falls at Fordhall

Fordhall House

Last week, like most of the country, Fordhall was covered in snow for two days and looked perfect. Within a matter of hours the snow had fallen thickly and the fields were totally white.

Our first 25 lambs of the year (so far) were skipping around and playing in the snow which was very amusing to watch! Elsewhere, the 12 new born Glocuester Old Spot piglets looked confused as they momentarily left their heat lamp to explore outside, then rushed back to the warmth. Very sensible.

As for the cows, they weren't really sure what to make of the snow. They had become accustomed to the frost over the last couple of weeks, but this was an entirely different level. Most of them gathered near the farm buildings looking for reassurance.

Fordhall Farm changes so much throughout the seasons, it is difficult to say when the best time to visit us is. During the Summer months there is an immense flurry of greenery and excitment, but Autumn and Winter brings changes of colour and you can see beyond or through the hedgerows that normally block the view.

As the plans for the Annual General Meeting progress we are trying to highlight the different aspects of Fordhall Farm to thank everyone for their contribution in our success. This, in many respects, is easy. You only have to come and explore the farm yourself to understand there is something for everyone here.

Fordhall Farm on the BBC

Keep your eyes peeled as Charlotte and Ben Hollins flash onto our screens tomorrow lunch time. Rob from the BBC 2 programme 'Working Lunch' visited Fordhall last week and the interview with Charlotte and Ben will be shown on Tuesday's programme from 12.30pm.

But, do not worry. If you do not get to watch the programme it is available throughout the day from the BBC Working Lunch website www.bbc.co.uk/workinglunch

It is great that there is still an active interest in Fordhall Farm and the concept of community involvement and ownership over British farms. This interest will be important to maintain as Fordhall's educational benefits grow and funds are raised for building renovation.

Soil Association Conference, By Charlotte

I attended the recent Soil Association Conference in Cardiff. As ever, it was an interesting mix of people coming together to, on this occasion, hear about 'Peak Oil'.

The Peak Oil topic is not a new one, but it has risen in importance over the last 12 months. The concept is that we have reached the maximum level of oil extraction that the earth can supply. From this year onwards the amount of oil available for us to extract on a daily basis will slowly decline.

This has consequences for every aspect of society, including farming. Essentially, everyone in the agricultural industry will need to be concious of the amount of energy currently required for food production. Many intensive arable farms use many more kilo-joules of energy to grow the crop than the crop creates as food energy, and this could become a potential problem in years to come.

Luckily, we run a very extensive farming system at Fordhall with very few inputs. With no tractor and only a small quad bike, our oil usage is already minimal. Furthermore, our grassland grazing system sequesters (or absorbs) the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, from the atmosphere and holds it in our soils. This increases the fertility of our farmland as well as acting as our small contribution to the fight aganist global warming.

I took a lot of inspiration away from this years conference. Although the 'Peak Oil' focus could be seen as a haunting topic, the truth is that humans are in the exciting position of being able to make that all important difference; making small changes today that will create a secure and positive future for our children. Even so much as putting in an energy saving lightbulb, sharing car journeys and using more public transport, are small changes that can make a big difference.

This is the point at which we have a choice. I believe that earth will continue regardless, but will it be a place that we want to live in - we have that choice, now.

Volunteers Go Hedge Laying Mad

Sunday 14th introduced ten new volunteers to the specialised skill of hedge laying. They were all guided by our long-standing volunteer Andrew who used his knowledge and expertise to teach the enthusiastic volunteers. Two other volunteers who had previously attended training weekends were on hand to lead groups as well. A huge thank you must go to everyone invovled in the weekend, not only the volunteers but also the 'team' that ensured it went so smoothly.

There was an excellent atmosphere at the farm with volunteers travelling from York, Southampton and Worcester, as well as locally. Everyone left feeling really excited that they had contributed to the progress of Fordhall Farm whilst learning and practising new skills. They all promised to return with friends and family for future working weekends.

The hedgerow is almost complete along the A53 and is an excellent example of sustainable land management. But do not fret...there are plenty more miles of hedgerow for you all to learn on over the next few years!

Volunteers were so determined they even stayed out in the dark, working by headlights to finish the last few metres. Ultimate dedication. All the valuable work that has been put in over the weekend will be evident for years to come.

We need lots of help for the next volunteer weekend on February 24th-25th as this will be the last opportunity to prepare for the AGM. At this weekend there will be hedge laying training as well as lots of other activities including fencing, painting and other 'farmy' things. Anyone interested should either email project@fordhallfarm.com or phone Sophie on 01630 638656. Places must be booked in advance as spaces are limited.

You do not have to have any skills to take part, just enthusiasm!

Thank you for Christmas at Fordhall, by Charlotte

2006 has been an amazing year at Fordhall and the still of telephones and emails over christmas enabled us to really take in the achievements of the year.

Both Ben and I agree that the Christmas of 2006 has been one of our best ever at Fordhall. For once we could relax and really enjoying being at the farm; being at 'home'. Most of the christmas' we can remember were tinged with the dread that one day we would have our last christmas at the farm. Yet this year, we were able to celebrate the opportunity of enjoying christmas' at Fordhall forever! I can't tell you what an amazing feeling that was.

Our christmas morning began at 9.30am with Ben and his girl friend Marie-anne cooking us all Fordhall bacon sandwiches, mmmm. We then began to cook christmas dinner. There is always so much to do at Fordhall that on chirstmas day we make a special point of not rushing, we just let things happen as they will. As a result there was no real time set for dinner, apart from the fact that it would be some time in the afternoon.

This year christmas dinner was up to the 'youngsters'. So Ben and I, together with our better halves, Marie-anne and Oli, cooked christmas dinner. We had melon and then soup as starters then; pork, chicken, sprouts, parsnips, roast potatoes, mashed sweet potato and swede, stuffing, pigs in blankets, cheesy leeks, carrots, gravy and chutneys. Even without the desserts it was a locally produced feast to die for, and every family member had contributed at least one item to the meal.

Luckily before dinner we all went for a walk around the land you helped to save earlier in the year. By this time our older half-sister Marianne with husband Alan had joined us (see above, with mum behind the camera!). So we donned the wellies and our christmas hats, and even found time to feed the goats a treat on the way.

By the time we got back from the walk, the food was cooked and we were certainly ready for it.

Like most of yours, our christmas went into the evening with games and laughter in front of the roaring log fire, but not once did we forget the unforgettable year we have had and the sheer number of people who had enabled us to have such a special christmas.

I remember an email from one of our early shareholders just after the deadline in July. She said that when she had first seen the campaign on BBC Midlands Today (October 2005), she had thought that it was a great idea and very worthwhile, but that the £800,000 target was just to large to achieve. She told this to her husband and he said "well that maybe true, but if we put in £50 and enough other people think the same and just put in £50 then it may soon add up, so why dont we?". They did, and so did thousands more of you. So when you think that your one or two shares were insignificant, think again. It was the result of so many of you putting in that little bit that enabled that colossal sum of £800,000 to be raised, and thats what makes this campaign so amazing. You all did just as Ghandi said.

"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi.

Thank You for Christmas 2006.
May 2007 take Fordhall to a new level.

Only 100 votes shy of 'Midlander of the Year Award'

The BBC announced the winner of their 'Midlander of the Year' award only moments ago. Charlotte and Ben came a close second to Otto Putland, a young swimmer raising money for a teenage cancer unit in Birmingham, who got only 100 votes more than Charlotte and Ben. From a total of 17,000 votes, Charlotte and Ben received over 5000, that’s 29.5% of the total votes, not bad going at all.

Charlotte says “both Ben and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for us. We were completely amazed by the result when the BBC told us. Only 100 votes behind the winner is an amazing achievement. It really motivates us to know that so many people are still supporting our activities at Fordhall. We won the Schumacher Award last September for our contribution to sustainable development and now coming second as Midlander of the Year, both are great achievements, but saving Fordhall with so much support behind us has to be the biggest success of 2006”

Fordhall Farm is now owned by almost 8000 people from across the country and even the globe, with the land leased to Charlotte and Ben, but there is still a long way to go at Fordhall; bunkhouses are being planned as well as a local/organic food tea rooms, and all built sustainably and with as much community input as possible.

There are always ways to get involved with the farm. You can still buy non-profit making shares in the Initiative, visit the farm shop or you can take part in their volunteer working weekends. The next is planned for this Sunday 14th Jan when there will be a one day hedge laying training course. Anyone wanting to take part in the training day, or would like to know more about Fordhall are encouraged to call Sophie on 01630 638656 or email project@fordhallfarm.com. You can keep updated with progress at Fordhall by following their online diary linked from their website http://www.fordhallfarm.com/.

Do we get your vote?

Charlotte and Ben have been nominated by BBC Midlands Today for the
"Midlander of the Year" Award.

You can see the piece shown on BBC Midlands TV by following this link and clicking on Charlotte and Ben on the right hand side of the page.

http://search.bbc.co.uk/cgi-bin/search/results.pl?q=organic+farm&scope=all&tab=av&recipe=all

You can vote for Charlotte and Ben by calling
09015 225101

But, there is only one week to vote and as far as I know you can call up to 100 times from the same telephone number! So, there are no excuses :-)

What has been achieved at Fordhall this year has been nothing short of amazing. The achievements of Ben and Charlotte Hollins (now 22 and 24 years of age respectively) are testament to the support and involvement from all of you. There are 2 of them and almost 8000 of you who own Fordhall. You are the ingredient that make this project work and this award is about your achievements just as much as theirs. The success of this project demonstrates the powerful support that you have for food and farming in this country and above all else, supporting young people in the industry.

After their father, Arthur Hollins died, all Ben and Charlotte wanted to do was to remain at Fordhall and continue to farm it organically. By allowing you to be involved and therefore placing the farm into community ownership, they have done this. Ben and Charlotte are now the proud tenants of Fordhall with security throughout their lifetime, and as an added bonus the farm is there as an educational and social resource for adults and children alike. Although the £800,000 was raised to purchase the land earlier this year, the project does not stop there. Charlotte and team are now working on extending the nature trail and renovating the farm buildings for educational use and of course there are events and volunteer opportunities all the time. All shares now sold will contribute towards these projects, as well as gathering funding for the 12 acre field that they have still not purchased.

For more information on how this project began click below

http://www.fordhallfarm.com/FCLI/project%20origins.htm

Brief Update:
As the winter draws in and the temperature drops we are all running round getting ready for Christmas. Orders for Christmas meat are being organised by Ben and his team of helpers, whilst shares, Fordhall calenders and other merchandise are being posted and written by Charlotte, Sophie and the team of volunteers in the office.

It goes without saying that we are looking forward to the peaceful activities of Christmas day and of course to welcoming in 2007 with full security at Fordhall.

Merry Christmas to all our supporters and friends. This really has been a year to remember and we feel extremely lucky to be where we are today.
Roll on 2007......

p.s. Although it is too late to receive shares in time for Christmas, they are still available. They can be purchased online or through the post. Follow the directions from our homepage www.fordhallfarm.com for instructions.

Goats return to Fordhall

Charlotte is happy to announce that two Saanen goats have recently arrived at Fordhall after the elderly lady who owned them went into hospital (see left with Courier Dave welcoming them with some organic apples).

This brings back a lot of memories at Fordhall. Charlotte and Ben were given two young goats when they were only 10 years old by their late father, Arthur Hollins, in a bid to begin teaching them about animal husbandry. The two siblings kept these goats for over ten years at Fordhall. Each year the two goats produced kids, the sale of which provided enough income to cover the feed and vet's bills.

Arthurs plan worked, this taught the two how to manage finances and manage livestock. Their continual attempts of fence repair also taught the two innovation and enterprise! But Ben never really forgot the hassle of chasing goats around the farm yard each time they escaped, and when Charlotte found out that there were two looking for a home, he was not over the moon.

However, Charlotte's enthusiasm seems to have won him over for the moment and the new goats are resident in Fordhalls meadows. They have already proven to be a great attraction for visitors and volunteers (see Adam right with Charlotte), and Charlotte is sure that their varied grazing will do the pastures justice.

Fordhall around the country

The last few weeks have been spent all over the country. Speaking to the public about Fordhall and what the team and all the shareholders and volunteers have achieved.

Charlotte recently spoke at the National FARMA (Farmers Retail and Markets Association) in Torquay, and the Plunkett Foundations Social Enterprise Conference in Weston-Super-Mare where she was joined by Patrick Holden, Director of the Soil Association. Both conferences were fantastic fun and allowed others to hear about the achievements at Fordhall. We hope that what has been learnt here can also help others in similar situations by providing the inspiration and proof that these things can be achieved against all odds.

This thursday evening both Ben and Charlotte spoke at the Shropshire Farmers meeting in Shrewsbury. More local to home, but a more synical audience! Charlotte and Ben were prepared for the difficult questions and they answered then honestly and openly. In fact we think that the big land owners in the area were a little surprised at the determination and enthusiasm that Ben and Charlotte still carry the project forward with. They are not living in a fantasy world believing that everything will now work out fine. They realise that they are only at the beginning of their life at Fordhall and there is much harder work ahead to keep the farm going and the business viable. Much of this depends on your support of local producers and your continued belief in real food - so please do not stop supporting british or indeed your local farmers. You can not under estimate the difference it can make.

Charlotte is now looking forward to speaking at the Triodos WEBA Awards (Womens Ethical Business Awards) in London next week. If you see her around, please do go and say hello. It is always great to meet supporters and shareholders when you are so far away from home.