Lawrence Weston Community Farm

History

Lawrence Weston Community Farm is one of four city farms in Bristol. It is situated on the edge of a large estate in the north of the city. The farm was started by a group of enthusiastic local residents in 1986, on the site of a former Bristol City Council tip. The site was landscaped with new top soil and footpaths, animal housing and livestock were introduced. For a number of years the animals lived in wooden sheds and a caravan kept all the willing volunteers dry on rainy days. The farm became a registered charity in May 1995.

The People's Building was completed in August 1999 and the Animal House, dedicated to Margaret Wilcox, one of the founders of the farm, was also completed in 1999. There have been many challenges facing the farm with the worst incident occurring during the foot and mouth crisis in 2001, when a suspected outbreak that was later proved to be incorrect resulted in the culling of all the livestock. The hardy volunteers and staff at the time, although devastated by the loss of much loved animals, put their welly boots on, got stuck in and carried on. Donations from local people and far and wide enabled a team of fantastically dedicated volunteers and management committee members to ensure the continued development of the farm.