Freightliners Farm fears a ram raid on funding

Published: 26th November, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

IT’S a little bit of countryside in the city. But now one of the borough’s best-loved at­tractions, Freightliners Farm in Holloway, is under threat.

A new online appeal has been launched by the farm in Sherringham Road amid fears that funding could be reduced in the government’s planned round of cuts.

For more than 30 years, generations of children have visited the two-and-a-half-acre farm to enjoy the company of cows Olivia and Dexter, the sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and rabbits.

But with Islington Council – who contribute half the £250,000 annual running costs – forced to make millions of pounds worth of cuts in the New Year, never has the farm been under such a cloud of uncertainty.

Created on a former scrapyard, Freightliners – so named because animals were once housed in discarded railway carriages – employs eight staff who manage up to 40 large and small animals. More than 30,000 visitors come each year to pet the animals or take part in the various courses including animal care, carpentry, gardening and cooking.

Farm manager Liz McAllister said that the appeal was insurance in the event of a severe cut in funds. 

“These are difficult times for everyone,” she said, “but a city farm like ours is particularly vulnerable when difficult decisions have to be made. We are asking our many supporters to rally round and support us. Many parents and grandparents came here when they were children and now they bring their children or grandchildren. We are hoping to raise as much as possible to see us through the difficult times ahead.”

Contact the farm on 020 7609 0467 or visit www.freightlinersfarm.org.uk