We need more market gardens

Leading through demonstration, we run a three acre market garden. If there were thousands of market gardens like ours we could feed the UK population their five-a-day without pushing our consumptive lifestyles upon the world's developing countries who need their land to feed their own populations.

 

 

Low carbon demonstration

In the next few years we hope to display all the latest low-carbon growing techniques and technology, including:

  • Carbon sequestration
  • Green manuring techniques
  • Agroforestry – fruit, nuts and coppice
  • Biochar production
  • Electric tractors
  • Reduced fossil fuels
  • Anaerobic digestion and renewable fuels
  • Local food distribution
  • Community engagement with hard-to-reach groups
  • Volunteering and learning opportunities
  • Strengthening the local economy

A working organic market garden

We produce about 10 tonnes of seasonal quality Soil Association / Stockfree Organic registered vegetables (July to March) that are distributed to the village of Kings Moss and Organic Direct in Liverpool. Of these, over 40 customers are from vulnerable and low income groups. We grow over 50 different vegetables and specialise in leafy greens, salads, purple sprouting broccoli, romensco cauliflower and multi-coloured beetroot. No matter what the weather, during the growing season, there are always opportunities for visits, volunteering and training.

Health & wellbeing

Local preventable health problems are linked to diet and exercise. We will run a "Farm Fitness" programme from 2011. This involves walking and aerobic growing activities so you can improve your healthy food knowledge. Our landlords have several miles of footpaths through woodlands and meadows, perfect for a health walk or wildlife trail. They also have chickens, alpacas & highland cattle. If you are recovering from a mental health issue please consider us. Getting outdoors and working with plants has been shown to help. You can join our friendly, non-threatening, non-judgemental workplace.

Learning & skills development

Whether you want to experience a workplace or learn about food growing from 2010 we can help with classroom and “on the plot” training. We offer training in organic husbandry, soil care, crop care, rotations, year-round harvest, weeds, pest & diseases, wildlife, business skills and community food growing. Our training is either informal or accredited AQA Unit Awards. Qualifications are low cost or free to St Helens residents, volunteering over 30 hours.

Support for communities wanting to manage their own land

For something to be sustainable it has to be easily copied and accessible. From 2010 to 2013 we will support food projects in St Helens with a free site visit, advice, training and work experience.

Our market gardening heritage

From medieval times market gardening in the urban-rural fringe was an important part of feeding urban populations. It went into massive decline in the early 20th century when we began to source our fruit and veg from the rest of the world. A low-carbon future means market gardening will once again become part of our food security. From 2010 to 2013 we will support at least 3 new market gardens in the North West.

Volunteer mentors

People from all backgrounds can share their wealth of experience through volunteering. We would like to train volunteer mentors to supervise food growing activities. As you will work with vulnerable groups you will need to undergo a CRB check.

Volunteer days

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are our volunteer days. On Tuesdays we provide activities that are suitable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. We will welcome “drop in” volunteers, volunteers who come with their own carers and work placements. This may particularly suit adults from day services. You can join our friendly workplace and get involved with composting, sowing, planting, watering, weeding, crop care, harvesting and packing. Bring a packed lunch and we can support travel expenses.

Group visits

Schools and groups welcome by prior arrangement. We have coach turning and a place for them to park. We will try and fit around you and have had several successful visits from Moss Bank Children's Centre.

Accessible for all

All activities take place even if raining. Personal protective equipment is provided although visitors are welcome to bring their own. We operate policies in equal opportunities, health & safety, child & vulnerable adult protection. All activities are fully risk assessed with appropriate insurance. We have full wheel chair access including toilet and raised bed.

Work experience

We welcome WOOFERS and those who would like to gain work experience. Unfortunately, we cannot offer accomodation near the site.

Getting to the farm

We are here www.firtreeshopandcafe.co.uk/contact-us-and-opening-hours (Info from our landlords website)

Address Fir Tree Farm, Pimbo Road, Kings Moss, St Helens, Merseyside, WA11 8RG. Phone Jenny on 01744 894284 (she does not live at the farm) or email jenny@climatefriendlyfood.org.uk

By Bus - There is no direct bus service to Kings Moss from St Helens but we are happy to pick up from Billinge and the 352 St Helens / Wigan bus is every fifteen minutes.

By Bus from Rainford, Billinge and Ashton in Makerfield 157 There is a direct service that you can ask to drop you off at the corner of Fir Tree Close, Kings Moss, just 50 metres from the farm.

By Train The nearest train station is Upholland, West Lancashire (approx 2 miles) with good services from Liverpool and Manchester. With prior notice we can pick you up.

Directions from St Helens Take the A570 Rainford Road out of St Helens, after you cross the East Lancs Road take an immediate right towards Crank B5201. You should see the brown sign saying Fir tree Farm. Continue for two miles and take a left at Crank Hill B5205. Turn left at Red Cat Lane. Turn Left at Pimbo Road.

Directions from Junction J26 of the M6 (Orrell) At the roundaboout take the A577 ramp to Billinge and Orrell. Turn left at the A577 Orrell Road. At the Stag pub turn left B5206 Moor Road. Stay on this for approx 1.6 miles. Opposite the new housing estate on the hill take a right Crank Road and go over the brough of the hill to the very bottom for 1.8 miles. Turn right at Pimbo Road.

Directions from Junction J23 of the M6 (Haydock) Head West (towards Liverpool) on the East Lancs Road A580 for 3.6 miles. Take a right A571 Carr Mill Road for nearly two miles. At the mini roundabout take a left B5205 Rainford Road. Turn right at Red Cat Lane. Turn left at Pimbo Road.