Stirley Community Farm (Huddersfield)

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is redeveloping Stirley as an open access community farm providing facilities for a great day out as well as an opportunity to learn all about a working farm.

Stirley Community Farm will be run as a beef social enterprise based on a low input traditional farming model, rearing slow maturing hardy breeds fed on grass and hay grown on the farm. The farm will be open to all, with a visitor centre and self-guided trails.

As an example of sustainable farming, Stirley Community Farm will explore and provide a demonstration of concepts such as low carbon farming and land management that will improve the wildlife of the Pennine Fringe. Tree planting is planned to increase woodland cover and provide wood-fuel, whilst pond and wetland areas will be established.

The farm is also a base for a wider community vision which looks at local food production and growing as a way of uniting local people and helping to bridge gaps in the community. The vegetable training area has been hugely successful in the first year of the project thanks to the help of all the people who have volunteered their time to maintain it.

The development of the farm and its food operation will include; 

• Renovating existing farm buildings
• Establishing a herd of Beef Shorthorn cattle
• Food growing training area
• Formal orchards and Forest Garden
• Food events and festivals
• Education provision and training programmes

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