The growing operation of The Community Farm is based on Denny Lane in Chew Magna, overlooking Chew Valley Lake. We currently farm 22 acres with the whole site extending to 50 acres leaving us plenty of space to grow into. We are lucky to be farming on Grade 1 agricultural land, which means we have a fantastic sandy/loam soil that allows us to grow a huge variety of crops. These include a wide range of field crops, polytunnel crops and soft fruit. We run a few pigs and have plans to bring sheep onto the holding as well. We would also like to establish some top fruit crops such as apples and pears.
The land is farmed by two full time staff, one seasonal full timer, and casual labour as and when needed. The staffing numbers are low because we have a great volunteer team that come out every week who are completely integral to the running of the farm. The land is farmed organically and inspected annually by the Soil Association. Not only does organic farming produce very tasty fruit and veg, just as importantly it provides a rich habitat for wildlife. Amongst the plethora of wildlife present on the farm are skylarks, woodpeckers, lapwings, yellowhammers, buzzards, kestrels, stoats, badgers and deer.
We currently propagate about a quarter of our crops and buy the rest from a local specialist nursery. However as site infrastructure increases such as mains electricity we will be increasing the amounts of self propagated crops. The growing operation is situated about 200m up the lane from our wholesale warehouse, allowing us to get crops from the field to the fridge in a very short amount of time ensuring maximum freshness for our customers.
We will be organising special open days in 2012 for individuals and organisations who would like to visit the farm. Check the news section for details.
Vegetables grown
Asparagus
Beetroot, Broad Beans, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts
Cabbages, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chards, Courgettes, Cucumbers,
Fennel, French Beans
Globe Artichokes
Herbs
Kales, Kohl Rabi
Leeks, Lettuce (including mixed leaf)
Onions
Parsley, Parsnips, Potatoes
Rhubarb, Runner Beans
Spinach, Spring Onions, Squash, Swede, Sweetcorn
Tomatoes
Turnips
Fruit grown
Blackcurrants, Gooseberries, Raspberries, Redcurrants, Strawberries