Meet the siblings
Ben's story
Ben Hollins grew up at Fordhall Organic Farm, with sister Charlotte. Children of organic pioneer Arthur Hollins and wife Connie. Ben, as the tenant farmer – manages the livestock, farm shop, hog roasts and his catering trailers, with a wonderful staff team behind him.
These businesses are managed commercially, and the takings allow Ben to pay rent to the Fordhall Community Land Initiative (FCLI), the charitable and community organisation that owns the land.
When the siblings reached end of their time in education and wondering what they were going to do with the rest of their lives, regenerating Fordhall and continuing Arthur's organic legacy, was the perfect job.
Together, they took over the tenancy at Fordhall in 2004 from their father. Due to the legal battles and eviction notices the family had faced in the 14 years previous to this, Ben and Charlotte inherited a mere 11 cows, 6 pigs and 6 sheep and a very neglected and run down farm.
They began to build the farm business by selling their produce direct to consumers and 12 months later, with the help of friend Sophie, they instigated the campaign to save the farm from development through the involvement of the community. Arthur sadly passed away in 2005, but supported by mum, Connie, the siblings, together with Sophie and a willing band of volunteers carried on.
In 2006, 8,000 members of the community purchased Fordhall, forming the FCLI and earning Fordhall the title of England’s first community owned farm!
Ben now leases Fordhall Farm, some buildings and the farmhouse from the FCLI, residing on-site with his family. He has a 100-year farm business tenancy agreement with succession rights for his children if they would like to carry on the tenancy.
In the event that his children decide not to inherit the tenancy, the FCLI will provide another long-term tenancy to other young people entering the agricultural industry, with the condition that the land remain organic and continues to have community access.
Charlotte’s story
Charlotte, along with Ben, firmly believed that Fordhall had an atmosphere and history that could not be lost and a huge potential that was just waiting to be unlocked.
Having fought hard to save their family home from development, Charlotte settled into her dream job managing the FCLI.
This structure provides accessible land to new and young farmers entering the industry, like Ben and Charlotte.
Long-term tenancies are becoming more difficult to come by as landowners become wary of tying up their land for long periods of time, thus removing the potential to sell it for future development.
When placing the farm into community ownership, the tenants are given complete security of tenure and know that the work they put into the land will help future generations of farmers after them. Simultaneously, the community know that this farm will be there for future generations to enjoy, visit, learn and buy fresh local produce from.
Charlotte is passionate about communities connecting with nature, our landscape and the nutritious food it provides. Her work guiding the Fordhall Community Land Initiative as the General Manager, supports this journey for us all.