England's first community-owned farm
Visit Fordhall Organic Farm
In Market Drayton, north Shropshire, we are England’s first community-owned farm
1 farmer, 8,000 landlords
The Fordhall Community Land Initiative aims to show that low-input organic farming, connected to the local community, offers a viable way of life for generations to come.
Fordhall Farm has been chemical free for over 70 years. Our tenant farmer, Ben, rears pasture-fed cattle, sheep and free-range pigs on an outdoor grazing system called Foggage farming, whilst the community use the same land for relaxation, well-being and fun.
Community-owned, Family-run
Following a high-profile campaign in 2006, Fordhall Organic Farm became community owned.
At the time, over 8000 people worldwide supported siblings Charlotte and Ben Hollins to save their tenanted farm and family home from industrial development.
Now owned by the community through a charitable community benefit society (Fordhall Community Land Initiative) Fordhall is a wonderful example of community spirit and real organic farming.
The Tenant Farmer, Ben Hollins
Ben grew up at Fordhall Organic Farm on the outskirts of Market Drayton, he is now a tenant farmer to our community, following in the footsteps of organic pioneer, Arthur Hollins.
Ben manages Fordhall's livestock, farm shop, hog roasts and a fleet of catering trailers, with a wonderful staff team behind him. Ben’s farm business, Fordhall Farm Ltd, is run as a commercial business and pays rent to the Fordhall Community Land Initiative.
To support Ben and his team, consider using them for your next event, or check out the farm shop.
