The story of the farm:
Horsenden Hill is a vital nature reserve and a cherished urban oasis. Over the last several years, this space has been completely transformed. What was once neglected has been built into a thriving community hub by the Council Ranger, Friends of Horsenden, a dedicated band of regular volunteers, and incredible independent local businesses, including our onsite brewery and bakery.
The issues we face:
Despite the community investing countless hours of voluntary labor to revive the farm, the historic farmhouse building has been left in severe disrepair by its owner, Ealing Council. The Council has recently declared the house unsafe, creating huge hurdles for our day-to-day operations and stalling our future.
We want to work with Ealing Council to secure a long-term lease and clear structural assurances so that we can safely invest funding, expand our operations, and protect the site’s biodiversity for generations to come. We need the community’s support to show the Council that we are ready to take ownership of Horsenden Farm’s future.
Our 2036 Vision: Nature, Learning, and Community
The Horsenden Working Group has been developing a long-term strategy to secure a sustainable and thriving future for the farm. Our vision is centered around three core pillars:
- Nature, Ecology and Stewardship: Safeguarding biodiversity through the implementation of a comprehensive Local Nature Reserve conservation management plan; showcasing innovative regenerative food and flower growing; and utilizing rare breed livestock for conservation grazing.
- Learning, Creativity and Skill-Sharing: Establishing Horsenden as a centre of lifelong learning for skills, knowledge and creative practices. This includes expanding our programme of traditional craft courses like hedgelaying, scything, wreathmaking, and willow weaving; further developing the outdoor woodland workshop; and creating a range of education, training and apprenticeship pathways.
- Community Culture and Wellbeing: Combining food, drink, events and outdoor recreation, Horsenden offers a vibrant, year-round destination. Visitors can enjoy a community taproom, farm-to-fork cafe, seasonal events, live music and theatre performances alongside a range of nature-based wellbeing and holistic activities.
These core pillars are underpinned by an ethical and sustainable economy approach to ensure that our activities are financially viable.
To achieve this we are working on transitioning our governance into a dedicated Community Interest Company or Community Benefit Society that holds a secure, site-wide lease to protect our cooperative, volunteer-led ethos.
The West London Regional Park context:
Horsenden is positioned to be a crown jewel of the proposed West London Regional Park. We are working to ensure our site meets Ealing Council’s diversity and inclusion objectives, bringing a wider array of urban communities into deep, meaningful contact with nature.
We need your input!
This is a living vision, shaped by the people who use and care about Horsenden. Please take a few minutes to fill out our Community Survey. Tell us what you love about the farm, what enterprises you would like to see in the historic farmhouse, and how we can better serve the community. Your feedback will help strengthen our case when working with Ealing Council and ensure Horsenden’s future reflects local needs and aspirations:
How you can support Horsenden Farm now:
Transforming Horsenden Farm into a secure, long-term community asset requires more than just hard graft physical labor. To successfully negotiate our lease with Ealing Council, navigate structural surveys, develop robust business plans, and secure the resources needed for the farm’s future, we need a strong team of skilled professionals working behind the scenes.
Volunteer your professional expertise:
We are actively looking for members of the local community who can donate a few hours of their professional skills and experience. We are specifically seeking support with:
- Legal, Lease, and Governance Strategy
- Architecture, Surveying, and Construction Management
- Fundraising and Grant Writing
- Digital Communications, Copywriting, and Social Media Campaigns
Email friends@horsenden.org to register your interest and tell us what skills you can bring to the table.
Make some noise:
Download the Poster here:
Share it on social media, or send it directly to friends, family and local networks. Tag @EalingCouncil and use the hashtag #SupportHorsendenFarm. Let’s show the borough how much this oasis means to us.
The Friends of Horsenden are engaging directly with local councillors and officers to help secure the farm’s future. Our public campaign is focused on building community support, raising awareness and connecting with people who can contribute their skills, expertise and energy. We look forward to your support!
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