‘Momentous day’ as Holme Farm’s £25,000 grant approved

The Holme Farm charity has recently been given permission from Defra to lease land at the site in Woodham. The intention is to create a community-led space for people to find support and get involved in activities and programmes to improve their mental and physical health. The charity will also focus on rewilding much of the land and restoring populations of insect pollinators and other local wildlife.

The Council’s Community Services Committee approved the one-off grant at its most recent meeting. Cllr Chris Howorth, Chair of the committee said:

 We are truly excited that this community led project is coming to fruition. It has been gratifying to be able to support such a well-planned and detailed project which will make a real positive impact on the area. I think that the energy, focus and determination shown by Ronnie and Christine Kendall in pursuing this project have been exemplary.  I am also grateful for the support given to the Holme Farm community workshop and gardens project by councillors, Tom Gracey, Scott Lewis and Malcolm Cressey. Empowering local communities to take the lead and help themselves, as we have done here, is a focus for the Council and we look forward to working in partnership with Holme Farm and other community initiatives going forward.

Holme Farm propose to invest the grant funds in conducting surveys of the derelict buildings and surrounding fields, so that the renovations and land conversion can begin. They will also be able to build a road and parking facilities to allow safe access to the property for workers and volunteers.

Local residents Mr and Mrs Kendall are leading this project, supported by a strong group of trustees. They aim to tackle isolation, improve mental wellbeing, protect the local environment, and provide a focal point for local activities and services.

This is a momentous day for Holme Farm as it is absolute endorsement of what can be created here for the community,” said Ronnie Kendall, Chair of the Committee and Trustee for Holme Farm. “We have had to show detailed plans to convince the Council of the viability of this project, we have had meetings with many groups across Surrey who wish to benefit from what we create and now it’s time to get to work.

 

When Ronnie explained his plans in 2020, I knew that there was no other comparable community resource in North Surrey and I needed to ensure that as many people as possible got behind it,” commented Cllr Malcolm Cressey, Chair of the Trustees for Holme Farm.

Proposals have been made for a workshop, garden allotment, sensory garden, apiary, biodiversity and rewilding projects, arts and crafts, a café, and holistic therapy and exercise classes for the local community. The charity will also be supported by an ecologist, who will ensure the site works in harmony with the local environment and wildlife. You can view the plans on their website

•  Holme Farm plans 

Please visit Holme Farm - Community Workshop and Gardens | Facebook and www.holmefarm.org.uk