Woodlands Farm is a 90-acre working community farm with charitable status supported by volunteers, bordering Greenwich and Bexley in Greater London, dedicated to education and nature conservation.
In 1997 The Woodlands Farm Trust was set up to save the Farm, after a massive campaign by People Against the River Crossing (PARC) in 1983-1993 and a proposed housing development on part of the Farmβs land in 1995.
The Farm still maintains the original Clothworkers Wood; an oak wood on clay soil, much of which was cleared to make way for the extensive housing estates in the 1930s. Some of the trees are more than 300 years old. There are hay meadows which not only supply hay for the livestock but are also rich in wild flowers. The Farm strives to be organic in principle wherever possible.
Farm animals include ducks, geese, chickens, sheep, pigs, pony, goat and Dolly the cow.
The Trust has a major conservation programme and the 89-acre Farm is currently managed under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme which includes hedge-laying, planting, hay meadow management and watercourse restoration. The Farm endeavours to generate funds for the Trust through traditional farming practices and provision of educational activities.
The Trust creates opportunities to involve local community groups, schools, volunteers and businesses in farming and environmental activities, thus helping to bridge the current divide between country and urban living.
Where
331 Shooters Hill, Welling DA16 3RP
Tel :020 8319 8900
Open
9am-5pm daily (dusk in winter).
Get there:
BR to Welling/Falconwood
More information:
www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org