Gorgie City Farm – its history, its possible future

New plans have been announced for the re-opening of Edinburgh’s Gorgie Farm, but they do not involve bringing animals back. After being closed for 18 months, the beloved attraction is poised to be transformed into ‘Gorgie Community Farm’ if local councillors endorse a new vision for the site at the Culture and Communities Committee this week. Under the proposed plan, the farm, which marked its 40th anniversary in 2022, would continue to offer free entry to the public.

The idea for Gorgie City Farm originated in the 1970s, a time that faced both economic hardships and social shifts in Scotland. The Gorgie and Dalry neighbourhoods of Edinburgh were grappling with severe socio-economic issues, including high unemployment and insufficient community resources. In response, residents and activists aimed to establish a venue that would provide educational and recreational opportunities, particularly for youth. In 1977, motivated by the urban farm movement that was taking off in various UK cities, this community group obtained a parcel of neglected land in Gorgie, an area with a working-class heritage. Their goal was to revitalize this abandoned area into a lively city farm. Thanks to fundraising campaigns, generous donations, and extensive volunteer efforts, Gorgie City Farm opened its doors to the public in 1982.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Gorgie City Farm grew its facilities and programmes, becoming an integral part of the community. The farm introduced a range of animals, such as goats, sheep, pigs, cows, and poultry, giving city residents urban a chance to engage with farm animals. In addition, the farm created educational programmes for schools, providing practical learning experiences in agriculture, animal husbandry, and environmental science. It also established community gardens, enabling residents to cultivate their own produce and acquire knowledge about sustainable gardening practices. These gardens became a beloved feature, fostering healthy eating and environmental consciousness.

However, the early 2000s brought new challenges for Gorgie City Farm. Similar to many charitable organisations, the farm encountered financial struggles due to funding reductions and economic instability. Despite these obstacles, the farm’s staff and volunteers remained dedicated to its objectives, exploring innovative avenues to secure funding and support.

In 2004, the farm marked its 25th anniversary, a considerable landmark in its journey. This celebration highlighted the farm’s tenacity and backing it received from the surrounding community. In its drive to diversify funding, the farm pursued collaborations with local enterprises, sought grants, and organised fundraising initiatives. Gorgie City Farm also placed an emphasis on broadening its outreach programmes. The farm engaged with local schools, youth organisations, and community groups to deliver educational workshops, vocational training, and therapeutic activities. These initiatives were especially advantageous for individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, and those experiencing social exclusion, providing them with a nurturing environment to acquire new skills and enhance their confidence.

Despite these efforts, Gorgie City Farm faced a significant financial crisis in the mid-2010s. In November 2016, the farm revealed that it would be going into liquidation because of overwhelming financial difficulties. This announcement was met with considerable disappointment and anxiety from both the local community and supporters throughout Edinburgh. The farm’s closure brought to light the wider issues that community-oriented initiatives face in achieving financial stability. Moreover, it highlighted the vital role these facilities play in offering educational, social, and environmental advantages to urban populations.

The closure of Gorgie City Farm was only temporary, spurred on by a remarkable wave of support from both the local community and further afield. In early 2017, a new charity called Love Learning took over the farm’s management. This Scottish charity, dedicated to education and social care, recognised the farm’s potential for providing therapeutic and educational experiences to those in need. Under Love Learning’s management, Gorgie City Farm reopened in July 2017, bringing joy to the local residents. This reopening was viewed as a significant turning point for the farm, emphasising a renewed commitment to sustainability and community involvement. Regrettably, due to the effects of the Covid pandemic and escalating costs, the farm was compelled to close its doors to the public once more in early 2023, with its animals being relocated to local zoos and farms.

Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC) subsequently agreed to manage a community-led project to find a possible solution, following discussions with the City of Edinburgh Council after the closure of the site.   As a result of EVOC’s work, the City of Edinburgh Council’s Culture and Communities Committee are being asked this Thursday to endorse a new vision  for the farm site as  “community farm” comprising a variety of growing areas and outdoor spaces, with a commitment  to having solely small animals on the premises. Additionally, it could feature features several areas that promote community and social enterprises, as well as opportunities for volunteering.

Subject to approval by committee, a gradual re-opening may be possible, for which no timeline has been established as of yet, which would offer a variety of revenue-generating opportunities, such as temporary markets, a café and space for community activities, a communal kitchen, and crofting land.

Photo credit: CEC Culture and Communities report