Get a taste of rural life at Stonebridge City Farm

Think of your typical farm and your mind will no doubt conjure up images of rolling hills, dry stone walls and country lanes. But you don’t have to venture far from Nottingham to get a taste of rural life thanks to Stonebridge City Farm, a community project which has been welcoming visitors for the past 30 years. The award-winning farm is home to a host of different animals, including a Shetland pony, rare breed sheep and cows as well as plenty of chickens, geese, rabbits, guineas to keep youngsters and their families entertained. Stroll around the picturesque gardens and you will also see polytunnels full of fruit, vegetables and herbs, which are grown by staff and volunteers and served in the restaurant. There are even a number of bee hives where honey is produced before being sold in the shop. Stephen Gee, who is the Operations Co-Ordinator at Stonebridge, says that the farm is a great opportunity for families to meet different farm animals and find out more about the food they eat. He said: "Stonebridge brings the countryside to life right in the heart of the city, enabling youngsters and their families to experience a rural environment and to see, first-hand, where their food comes from. The farm is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a range of farm animals and to enjoy an oasis of calm in an urban, inner-city setting." As well as providing a fun-filled day out, Stonebridge is also committed to providing opportunities for members of the community, including children, people with disabilities, families and those who want to learn a new skill such as bee keeping. Opened in 1980, the farm was built on a piece of derelict land which had been cleared of slum housing. The communal gardens were created to enable both young and old to work on the land and it wasn’t long before the farm welcomed its first animals. Stonebridge City Farm has a packed programme of events which take place throughout the year including fine dining evenings and school holiday activities. The farm is also taking part in BBC Radio Nottingham’s Big Day Out on 6th April which will see attractions across the county offering FREE entry to visitors. Some of the others involved in the event include Newstead Abbey, Newark Air Museum, Nottingham Castle and the DH Lawrence Birthplace Museum. Stonebridge City Farm is open every day of the year and entry is FREE. For further details visit the website.