As I sit down to write this, it is the Winter Solstice—a significant date in the calendar and one that always feels meaningful to me. At this time of year, the dark days of winter can feel endless, with summer just a distant memory. Yet, the Winter Solstice marks a turning point, as our ancient ancestors recognised and celebrated. From this moment, the days will slowly lengthen, and we can look forward to lighter evenings, longer days, and the promise of warmer weather ahead.
Just as the 21st of December signifies a change in the year, 2024 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Burscough Community Farm. While growing food remains a cornerstone of what we do, it is no longer the sole purpose of the farm. Our land, among the best-quality farmland in the world, is ideal for cultivating food. However, as the old saying goes, “Man does not live by bread alone.”
Shifting Needs and Priorities
Society’s needs evolve over time. While I firmly believe that good-quality food is central to good health, the abundance of calories now readily available on supermarket shelves has led to a diminished appreciation for wholesome, nutritious food. This shift makes it challenging to sustain a farm of our size purely through traditional agricultural activities. That said, we remain committed to valuing organic, wholesome food and will continue growing through our community allotment project.
Over the past ten years, the farm’s role has adapted. What has become clear is the enduring importance of reconnecting people with the land—a mission that remains as relevant today as when we first opened our gates in 2014. The unwavering dedication of our volunteers inspires me daily, and I am deeply grateful for their support and passion for our shared vision.
Reconnecting People with Nature
Looking back, I recently rediscovered a press release I wrote when the farm launched in 2014. There, in print, was my assertion that we aimed to “reconnect people with the land.” This goal has only grown in significance. Today, my podcast, We All Need Nature – www.weallneednature.com – explores this very idea: all of us benefit mentally and physically from spending time in green spaces. The evidence supporting this is overwhelming, with study after study confirming the profound health benefits of connecting with nature.
In many ways, our farm acts as a much-needed ‘supplement,’ helping people reconnect with the natural world in a society increasingly detached from it. This role feels even more urgent as we face a growing mental health crisis, exacerbated by the isolation and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Embracing Green Social Prescribing
It’s not just my belief that connecting with nature can help improve mental health. This summer, we welcomed Sam Pywell, who leads the Social Prescribing Unit at UCLan, to the farm. I had the opportunity to interview Sam for the podcast (listen here), and her insights reinforced that we are on the right path. Green Social Prescribing—a practice of using nature-based interventions to improve wellbeing—aligns perfectly with our mission.
In 2024, we officially embraced Green Social Prescribing with the launch of our six-week courses, designed and led by Hayley and me. These courses represent the culmination of years of effort, but in truth, we’ve been practising elements of Green Social Prescribing from the farm’s earliest days.
The feedback we’ve received has been extraordinary. Participants and local JobCentres in Ormskirk and Skelmersdale have told us that we are “changing people’s lives,” and that motivates us to continue and expand this work in 2025.
Looking Ahead
None of this would be possible without the incredible people who support the farm. A special thanks to Hayley for her invaluable contributions to our social prescribing efforts and to Jane and the other directors who continue to guide us as we evolve. We’ve also been fortunate to receive vital funding from West Lancs Borough Council, UKSPF, and The National Lottery, which allows us to improve the farm’s infrastructure and enhance what we offer to the community.
As we move into the new year, there’s much to look forward to. Our mission to reconnect people with nature and promote mental well-being will remain central to everything we do. Stay tuned for updates on our activities and projects as we continue to grow—together.
From all of us at Burscough Community Farm, including Jane, Hayley, myself, and the rest of our wonderful team, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for being part of our journey.
— The Burscough Community Farm Team
Some of the residents of Alsley Lodge Care Home holding up Christmas wreaths that they created with us when we visited them in December.