[2]NewsNational Care Farming Conference
Anyone interested in the compelling health, education and welfare benefits of the UK’s pioneering care farming movement have until September 9 to book their place for a special conference in Shropshire on September 16.
Care farming is the therapeutic use of farming for people with an array of specialist and other needs. It is a unique concept that is rapidly spreading in popularity among rural farmers, as well as being central to the work of many city farms.
Against a backdrop of changes in health care provision and the Government’s ideas about Big Society, the third National Care Farming Initiative conference will examine the practical issues facing care farmers, the importance of partnerships in developing successful care farms, and developing an organisation to support the movement across the UK.
30th anniversary event for FCFCG
To mark FCFCG's 30th anniversary in 2010, we are celebrating community farming and gardening in the UK with a series of events, starting with a national gathering and conference in Nottingham on 3-4 September.
This event will include a conference session at the University of Nottingham's Jubilee Campus, workshops and site visits, as well as a civic reception and a celebration ceilidh. A special garden plot using the shape of the FCFCG logo has been created in the grounds of Nottingham Castle for visitors to view.
The event will also feature the launch of our new oral history project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which aims to record the experiences of those involved in the history of the community farming and gardening movement. It is hoped that many member groups will be able to run their own events using a self help kit that we are developing and that this project will help stimulate future developments as well as recording the past.
FCFCG Members from across the UK are invited to attend, plus representatives from other community groups and community and environmental sector organisations. For booking information go to www.farmgarden.org.uk/anniversary
Special offer! The first 50 places for this event are exclusively free to member groups (one person per group, excluding accommodation). To book a free place either contact FCFCG via 0117 923 1800 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Communities minister tours city farm
Communities Minister Andrew Stunell has been given a tour of Hackney City Farm in London to get an insight into how community farming and gardening groups contribute to their area and create a wide range of opportunities and benefits for local people.
The minister was keen to find out how the work of city farms and community gardens can contribute to the Government’s Big Society agenda.
In the farm's award winning café, the Minister met some of Hackney’s young farmers who have learnt farming skills and an awareness of 'countryside' matters.
A report of the visit and a online video is available on the Communities and Local Government website at www.communities.gov.uk/newsstories/newsroom/1656697
Apple Day celebrates 21st birthday
Apple Day events will have some extra bite this year, as 2010 is the 21st Anniversary of this increasingly popular national event.
Conceived by environmental organisation Common Ground, Apple Day is celebrated around October 21 in communities, orchards and schools.
Many city farms and community gardens already run apple day events and it is a great way of attracting visitors. Common Ground provide lots of information, publications and posters to help community groups get the most out of their Apple Day celebrations.
City Harvest Festival returns
The unique City Harvest Festival - London's equivalent of a rural county show - is expected to be the biggest ever in 2010, with more than 2,000 people attending, including many talented farmers and gardeners of all ages from across the capital.
Animals and produce from a wide range of London’s 16 city farms and over 100 community gardens can be seen at the event, including rare Golden Guernsey goats from Newham, honey from Dagenham, pumpkins from Kentish Town, Indian runner ducks from Vauxhall, Bengali kerala from Shoreditch, and blackcurrants from White City.
The festival, now in its 12th year, takes place in the attractive grounds of Capel Manor in Enfield on Saturday 18th September.
E coli report published
A report into the outbreak of e.coli at an open farm last year has emphasised the importance of measures to reduce the risk of infection and the prompt control of any outbreaks.
The Griffin Report said that the outbreak at Godstone Farm was not exceptional other than in terms of its size. The report concludes that even with the earliest possible identification and control of the outbreak, around half of the cases of infection would already have occurred even before any restriction or closure.
The report also states that handwashing alone cannot be relied upon to prevent outbreaks acquired by contact with animals or their faeces. Reducing the chance of contact with faecal matter should be a primary measure, according to the report. In addition, the report stresses the need for greater awareness of the risks of animal contact among farm owners, regulatory authorities and visitors to Open Farms.
More Articles...
Page 1 of 3
