The Surrey Docks Farm website [visit link] tells us:
"Surrey Docks Farm is a working city farm in the heart
of London. It provides visitors with unique opportunities to learn about
farming and food production and become actively involved.
The herds and flocks are farmed with specific attention
to animal welfare. Farm produced meat is on sale whenever available, so
are plants, honey and other produce too.
”Our mission is to provide educational and practical
opportunities for all people in the local community and beyond to learn about
farming, food production, animal care, horticulture, crafts, cooking and
nutrition. We promote teamwork, responsibility, respect for people and
nature, sustainability, health and recreation”.
The Farm relies heavily on public donations and the
generous work of many volunteers. You can donate now by using the button
on the right or contact us to discuss your doing voluntary work here of any
sort."
The website [visit
link] also tells us:
"About Surrey Docks Farm
Surrey Docks Farm is a working city farm in the heart of
London. It occupies a 2.2 acre site on the south bank of the river Thames
in Rotherhithe.
The farm works with local communities and the people of
Southwark to provide many unique opportunities for people to learn about farming
and food production, and to be actively involved in the ongoing work of the
farm.
Animals reared on the farm include a herd of milking
goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys, bees and
donkeys. The herds and flocks are farmed with specific attention to animal
welfare.
There are a variety of green and horticultural areas
such as the orchard, herb garden, dye garden, vegetable plots, and the wild
area. Fresh food and produce are on sale to the public.
Other facilities include a dairy, milking barn, bee
room, "café Frizzante", working blacksmith’s forge and adult education rooms.
There is a fully equipped classroom used by schools from across
London.
Surrey Docks Farm is a unique environment, used by a
wide cross section of the community, making it an ideal setting for educational
and environmental activities throughout the year.
The farm is managed by the Surrey Docks Farm Provident
Society Ltd, a tax exempt charitable organisation registered with the Financial
Services Authority, and with HM Revenue & Customs (registration number
22829R).
Current patrons of the Society include the Bishop of
Southwark and Simon Hughes MP. The Society particularly encourages
membership applications from local people to ensure that they are at the
forefront of what is essentially a local community project. Committee
members of the Provident Society are elected at the Annual General
Meeting.
History of the Farm
The Farm was first established in 1975 on a 1.5 acre
site of derelict dockland between the entrance to Greenland Dock and the River
Thames. Its initial purpose was to try and raise livestock and produce
food from what was regarded as wasteland.
In April 1980 the Farm registered as a Provident
Society.
In June 1986 the farm was re-located to its present
site, a new 2.2 acre site on the river Thames at South Wharf. During the
working lifetime of the docks the site formed part of the largest shipyard on
the Rotherhithe peninsula."
The farm also has a 'mobile' farm that can be hired [visit
link]:
"The Mobile Farm is a perfect solution for many people
such as school fares, fund raising events, team bonding and other
activities.
We can offer a large and small animal visit for £450
which would include a selection from goats, sheep, cows, donkeys,
chickens, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets.
A small animal visit would include just the small
animals of your choice for £250."