We’ve had a busy few months at Heathfield Farm with lots of positive news to share. The charity has been successful with grant applications submitted to Yorkshire Building Society (for core costs) and to the National Lottery Community Fund for our ‘Heathfield Health’ project, which aims to raise awareness about healthy food, healthy bodies, and provide outdoor activities for vulnerable people. Beneficiaries will continue to be involved in all aspects of planning and growing a wide variety of produce, which they can then cook and eat. They’ll be encouraged to think about broader health indicators and participate in a ‘daily mile walk’ around the site. To mark their progress, a certificate will be awarded after each ten miles. Sessions are also planned to provide accessible information to participants about the essential nutrients their bodies need and how they can eat well to achieve improved health outcomes.
We’ve welcomed Dig and Donate onto our site. Headed by Rhiannon Alcock of @DevonandEarth, this CIC aims to grow vegetables to give away to local church groups and food banks. Rhiannon and her volunteers have already made significant progress in developing their plot of land which is situated behind the Devon Wildlife Trust tree nursery.
Many people who drive past our site will have noticed that, for some time, the entrance looked old and tired. With a kind donation from Sally Broom and valuable time given by our lovely neighbour Rob of RJD Towbars & Vehicle Signage, we now have a lovely new entrance sign. You may have also noticed ‘Mr McGregor,’ our entry into this year’s scarecrow contest!
On Saturday, 27th July, Heathfield Farm hosted an open day. The event provided an opportunity for people to look around our picturesque site, see the new developments, enjoy a homemade cream tea and meet the farm staff and Devon Link-Up Trustees (who brought along their BBQs for the occasion).
One of our valued volunteers, Joe, has nearly completed building our first compost loo. All the materials have been sourced for free – some of the wood used for the exterior came from the old Zebra enclosure at Paignton Zoo!
We’d welcome more volunteers to help with a variety of jobs on the farm. There’s no minimum time commitment required, and opportunities vary from assisting our support workers (between Monday and Thursday), watering our polytunnels on the weekends, and helping with grounds maintenance, to possibly contributing your expertise in submitting grant applications. If you’re interested in becoming part of a friendly team and enjoying our charming setting, please send us a message – we would love to hear from you!
