First Phase Of Funding

Great News! We have been successful with our bid for grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Woodoaks Farm has been awarded £200K that will provide funds for a Development Phase allowing us to work up a detailed proposal to convert the concrete building adjacent to The Black Barn, to create a flexible-use space for community events and educational outreach.

Once this initial Development Phase is successfully completed and approved, it potentially unlocks further vital funds to cover the cost of the capital projects, landscape enhancements and our education and volunteering programme for 3 years.

“This is an incredibly significant boost – both financially and emotionally for us all. As custodians of the farm, it is hugely reassuring to be recognised in this way for all the hard work we have done so far. We can now build on this momentum, knowing we have the right support to provide this invaluable, inclusive community space, that will inspire people to reconnect with food, farming and nature”.

– Rose Lewis, Programme Manager for Woodoaks

Of course, without Sally Findlay none of this would be possible. In her own words:

“Living in this corner of Hertfordshire for 80 years, I’ve seen many changes, including the motorway cutting the farm into four and I worry that we are increasingly separating from nature. We need to recover a healthy balance. In giving Woodoaks Farm to the Soil Association Land Trust, I am able to realise my lifelong hope that future generations, and the plants and animals on the farm, can all be part of a community that lives together for the benefit of us all. I am delighted that this project will give us a great space to meet and for our studies and will be a hub for the community for many years to come.”

We cannot thank everyone enough for your support, kind words of encouragement, practical acts, donations and kindness to date. We hope you’ll join us in our exciting journey ahead.