Why we need city farms

To anyone who’s never visited one, the whole concept of a city farm might seem a bit odd. There, sandwiched between a skate park and a chicken shop, sits a leafy idyll dotted with goats and fruit trees. It’s the equivalent of sticking a couple of skyscrapers and a branch of Pret in the middle of a massive wheat field. But, as we found out on a visit to Windmill Hill City Farm in Bristol, these adorable little patches of rural life serve a hugely important purpose. 

Counter-intuitive though it may seem, the farm’s CEO Steve Sayers is quick to point out that taking a break from urban life can be a great way to meet people. ‘As well as connecting you to nature, visiting a city farm is a great way to connect with other people, since most of the activities we run here are group-based.’ Think about that the next time you’re doom-swiping your way through Hinge.

But Windmill Hill’s connection to its community goes further than that. Many of the farm’s regular volunteers and visitors have special needs and, were it not for their farm placements, may find it hard to get out and about easily. As Sayers explains, it’s not just about giving stressed-out urbanites a quick dunk in nature and sending them on their way. ‘As well as what happens on the four acres inside the fence, we also have an influence on the community around us,’ he says, pointing to crane-strewn construction sites in the distance. ‘We try to influence decisions on local developments, high street regeneration projects, things like that. People shape the farm and we shape the area around us.’

It’s this community dialogue that makes a place like Windmill Hill so important to people who live in cities. The immediate, tangible benefits of spending time among nature are well documented but this is just the tip of the iceberg.

So, fresh air, friendly people and warm, fuzzy feelings on tap? Sounds like a solid list of reasons to make a date to visit your local city farm. And hey, if nothing else, you’ll end up with a cute goat selfie for that dating profile.

Philip St, BS3 4EA. Open daily 9-5pm. Free entry, but donations are accepted.