Over the past few weeks we have been closely following the advice of the government, adapting our working practices and taking measures as part of the collective effort to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (Covid-19). Our priority is to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and visitors, as well as to ensure the farm is in a position to continue to provide local people especially those who are vulnerable with access to the important benefits of spending time outdoors and having access to nature, animals and green space for years to come.
Following the most recent updates to government guidance we have taken the difficult decision to close the farm temporarily to visitors from this evening Friday 20th March initially for two weeks. We have also closed regular sessions and are limiting volunteering (if you are a volunteer and have not received full information about this please contact us for details).
We know how important the Farm is to our community and we will keep our decision to temporarily close and limit activities under review. We will be guided by any new advice from the government and our desire to be part of the public effort to help protect people from Covid-19 and its impact on physical and mental health.
Temporary closure will enable us to provide for the health and wellbeing of our staff and volunteers, maintain animal care standards and plan new ways to connect with vulnerable members of the farm community – whose projects can no longer take place at the Farm for their safety.
Like many others who have been affected by this unprecedented event, this is a very challenging time for us. We rely on income from the café and our other social enterprise activities, fundraising events and service delivery to fund the work that we do with our community, to feed and care for our animals and to maintain the upkeep of our growing spaces. Already our income has been drastically affected and at the current time as a charity we are not eligible for government small business support grants. At this critical time we have adjusted our 5 Ways to Help and would be extremely grateful for any support you are able to give.
We will continue our efforts to be innovative and support our community during this challenging time while maintaining the safety and wellbeing of all involved. We are looking for ways of providing our community with remote access to and inclusion in farm life, watch out for our flower blog providing photographs and information on the flowers in the ornamental garden as they bloom, have a go at home activity packs for kids, farm gate sales and other initiatives to support our community and the farm. These ideas may take time to implement as our reduced staff and volunteer team will prioritise the day to day care of the animals and gardens and their own and the community’s protection from Covid-19 but we will get there.
Please keep in touch we don’t want anyone to feel lonely or isolated if you have not already done so sign up to our mailing list, facebook, twitter and instagram or you can use our usual contact by email to administration@freightlinersfarm.org.uk Louise and Liz are checking it regularly but please remember we will be outside most of the day looking after the farm.
Thank you for your understanding and support we wish you and your families well. Please take every measure to look after yourself and others around you.
With best wishes
From Everyone at Freightliners City Farm