Woodgate Valley Urban Farm Ltd

Woodgate Valley Urban Farm Ltd is a registered charity (Charity Number: 701639) located in Birmingham, England. Established in 1988 by local volunteers, it focuses on providing practical work and volunteering opportunities for individuals within the local community, particularly emphasizing support for young people with Special Educational Needs, those experiencing social exclusion or educational exclusion, and those struggling with poor mental health[2][3][4].

Activities and Projects

The farm offers a variety of activities including animal assisted therapy, forest school, bushcraft, and nature play[5]. It also engages in projects like Reboot Greencare, which was launched in 2023. This project allows service users, including children aged 8-16, to spend time outside caring for animals, orchards, and woodlands, and growing plants and vegetables on a one-to-one or small group basis for up to 8 hours per service user per week[1][2].

Operations

Woodgate Valley Urban Farm operates within Woodgate Valley Country Park under a licence from Birmingham City Council. It manages farmland, orchards, and woodland. The charity's survival relies on donations from the public, grant-giving organizations, benefactors, service level agreements, and partnerships. The area of benefit extends approximately seven and a half miles from the site, covering not only Birmingham but also parts of Sandwell, Solihull, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire[4].

Accessibility and Guidelines

The farm is open to the public on specific days and for special events, excluding Wednesdays and Sundays. Schools and groups must book visits in advance. Due to health and safety regulations, it operates as a Non-Animal Contact Project, meaning that visitors are not allowed to interact with animals unless part of supervised placements or staff. There is a strict policy against bringing food onto the site for human or animal consumption[4].

Recognition and Compliance

Woodgate Valley Urban Farm is recognized as a Registered Smallholding with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and is a member of Social Farms and Gardens[2][4]. It is subject to regular inspections by DEFRA and the Birmingham City Council's Animal Welfare Officer regarding livestock and animal welfare regulations[4].

[1] https://fitforall.website/fit-for-all/fit-for-all-2025/woodgate-valley-urban-farm/ [2] https://www.wvurbanfarm.org.uk [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/701639/charity-overview [4] https://www.wvurbanfarm.org.uk/about-us/ [5] https://bosf.org.uk/members/woodgate-valley-urban-farm/