My amazing wife Jane and I co-founded Burscough Community Farm. Our story began a decade ago, driven by a dream of growing sustainable, organic fruit and vegetables right here in the heart of rural West Lancashire. Little did we know our farm would transform into something far more meaningful than we ever imagined.
When we set out in 2013, it was all about the land—our passion for growing fresh, organic produce and positively impacting the planet. We dove into vegetable farming with an idealistic spark and eventually moved into organic wholesale, which helped sustain our farm over the years. We thought our mission was clear and simple: cultivating the best organic produce.
But life, as it often does, had other ideas in store for us.
Not long after we started, we began receiving calls from places like the job centre, West Lancs CVS, and mental health charities. They asked if individuals could come to our farm as volunteers. They believed these people might benefit from being in our tranquil, natural setting and participating in farm life. At first, we weren’t quite sure what to expect, but we welcomed them.
The impact was profound. We saw some people arrive shy and reserved, but they blossomed as they spent time with us, working the soil and connecting with nature. Their spirits lifted, and they found a sense of purpose and community. It was incredibly heartwarming to witness.
One story that sticks with me is about a young man from the job centre. When he first arrived, he was disengaged, more interested in scrolling through his phone than getting involved. But gradually, he started participating—first just a little, then more and more. Before we knew it, he was driving the tractor and fully immersed in farm life. One day, he asked if we were paid for him coming to the farm. When I told him we weren’t, he said, “You should be because this is changing people’s lives, and it’s changed my life.”
His words were a lightbulb moment for me. It dawned on me that our farm was much more than a place for growing vegetables. It had become a sanctuary, a place where people could heal, grow, and find joy.
Today, Burscough Community Farm CIC is a serene haven nestled in woodlands, meadows, and riverbanks alongside a peaceful branch of the Leeds to Liverpool canal. While we remain committed to our roots in organic farming, our mission has grown to include nurturing the mental well-being of everyone who visits.
Our farm isn’t just about produce; it’s about people. It’s about the connections we make, the lives we touch, and the peaceful moments shared amidst nature’s beauty. Whether you’re here to volunteer, enjoy the tranquillity, or simply share in the harvest from our Community Allotment, you can be a part of our story.
Thank you for being on this journey with us. Here’s to many more years of growth, healing, and community.
If you are unemployed you may want to look at our ‘Reboot Your Life’ six week course here.