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Organic Farm Saved by 700+ Shareholders
11 Jun
Summary
- Community society raised £280,000 to buy almost 18 acres.
- Farm was sold due to a family breakup in 2025.
- Plans include community growing, orchard, and wildlife habitats.
A community campaign has successfully raised £280,000, allowing the Babbinswood Farm Community Benefit Society to make an offer on approximately 18 acres of organic farmland near Oswestry, Shropshire. This significant achievement comes after initial fundraising efforts in 2024 faced setbacks, failing to meet two deadlines for purchasing the entire farm.
Casha Bowles-Jones, a fifth-generation farmer at Babbinswood, expressed her gratitude, highlighting the community's commitment. The farm was placed on the market in 2025 due to a family separation, but Bowles-Jones was determined to preserve its organic nature. The society's director, Patricia Gibbons, anticipates completing the first land purchase soon, following a major breakthrough in January when they exceeded their minimum target of £260,000.
The society is already fundraising for an adjoining field valued at £110,000 to expand organic farming. Future plans include reinstating a market garden for community growing, establishing an orchard, and creating a flower meadow to support local wildlife. These initiatives aim to maximize possibilities for community engagement and biodiversity.
