We deliver our objectives through these core farm activities:

The aim is to focus and streamline the Farm activities toward those that are most impactful and able to deliver our aims so that every staff member, volunteer and those interested in the Farm clearly understands what we do and why. These key activities will be validated through the impact measurement work. The first four aims presented above define where activities should be pursued - where they do not push forward these aims, they should be deprioritised or stopped.

Engage and educate people (Aim 1)

Farm and gardens

• Retain free, safe and accessible urban farm and café open 6 days a week for everyone
• Make the gardens more beautiful, productive, sustainable, inclusive and educational
• Showcase the biodiversity of plant life and which can be cultivated in Islington supported by excellent signage, tutorials/links on our website and information leaflets
• Keep a range of domestic animals with a focus on rare and traditional breeds of farm animal
• Model good farm animal welfare and provide information on farming standards and practices and the needs of domestic animals

Education

• Provide information boards, workshops, newsletters, open days, technical and practical advice, including history of farm and Islington farming heritage
• Promote local animal welfare through training, advice and information on the needs of domestic animals and local wildlife
• Deliver accredited courses to reflect full scope of Farm’s work e.g. OCN and NPTC certificates

Learning

• Work with local schools and compulsory education providers to develop and deliver courses and materials based on the national curriculum using expertise available from Farm staff.
• Deliver a high quality programme for school visits including guided tours and themed workshops.
• Provide alternative education programmes for young people not attending school in partnership with secondary schools and further education colleges.
• Provide opportunities for lifelong learning through practical on the job learning, workshops and training courses

Volunteering

• Provide a range of volunteering opportunities and support to engage the diverse local community in the working life of the farm.
• Provide training, induction and supervision to enable volunteers to fulfil their roles on the farm and gain skills and knowledge.
• Maintain exemplary volunteering procedures and practice

• Recruit volunteers using different networks and media e.g. volunteer fairs, internet
• Provide clear information on volunteering opportunities and match volunteers with appropriate roles and support.
• Support volunteers to develop their own activities, projects and events

Promotion

• Maintain and update Freightliners’ website
• Develop an appropriate ICT strategy utilising social media e.g. Twitter, Facebook
• Produce and distribute materials to media, Government, funding bodies, members of the public and any organisations who might support or be interested in the work of a city farm.
• Issue press releases, develop existing media relationships and wider organisational networks

Concept of City Farms

• Members of Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens and the London Farm and Garden’s Association
• Share information and joint work with other Farms and relevant environmental networks
• Influence local policy by networking with decision makers and being on community boards
• Entering a garden to Chelsea Flower Show to raise the profile of capabilities of all city farms
• Provide promotional materials and complementary projects for a variety of audiences

Produce food and other farm products in a sustainable manner (Aim 2)

• Produce food and other products sustainably and profitably
• Provide balanced information on issues surrounding agriculture and the environment, and link to Aim 1 to educate people about, and encourage, food production from farm to plate
• Demonstrate composting and produce manure for use in local gardens.
• Demonstrate ethical practices emphasising conservation, environmental protection, sustainable use of resources and organic food production
• Demonstrate eco-friendly building techniques, sustainable energy technology, and organic gardening techniques.
• Participate in local authority forums and advisory groups on sustainable development
• As member of Islington Climate Change Partnership commitment to reduce CO2 output

Foster social inclusion and address disadvantage (Aim 3)

Equal access for all

• Build relationships with other organisations to support the delivery of services for vulnerable and disadvantaged people at the Farm.
• Enhance provision (quantity and quality) of activities for people with specific needs
• Provide outreach services which reach new audiences and break down barriers to access.
• Sign-post local people to other organisations in the borough.
• Target fundraising to increase resources promoting inclusion of all community members

Young people

• Work with local authorities, schools and the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to provide training for young people not in education, employment or training particularly those with disabilities or mental health issues
• Provide work experience placements for local young people supporting training and career development.
• Develop new opportunities for young people to make links, gain insight and explore potential career paths in land based and associated industries.

Children and families

• Provide high quality outdoor play sessions, family learning opportunities and support.
• Work with family support organisations to engage the most isolated and vulnerable families
• Fundraise to deliver activities for children and families which are free at point of access

Volunteering

• Ensure supported volunteering opportunities are available in all areas of our activity
• Provide  supported groups or placements targeted to meet the needs of vulnerable people including older people, people with mental health difficulties and people with learning/physical disabilities
• Provide opportunities for volunteers to gain accreditation for their learning.
• Consult regularly with volunteers and wider community on appropriate services
• Develop volunteers’ employability / life skills with support from staff and other volunteers
• Ensure all volunteers have the resources and equipment necessary for their participation
• Develop supportive volunteer networks which enable people to share skills and pool abilities

Training

• Deliver practical training courses in carpentry, animal care, horticulture, health and safety, retail and cooking with the opportunity to pursue an accredited course to support employability.
• Participate in training exchange programmes which expand horizons and open up new opportunities.
• Where possible open up places for statutory training such as safeguarding, food hygiene and first aid to volunteers, young people and others in the community
   

Provide a recreational haven in the city (Aim 4)

Site and facilities

• Maintain facilities for activities from interactive play to simple relaxation in a unique, welcoming and tranquil space.
• Manage the farm site to encourage biodiversity and wildlife
• Promote good practice by managing the Farm in a planned and responsible manner.
• Improve the material fabric of the existing site (maintenance, decoration)

Events

• Establish a regular programme of events on site, planned and advertised well in advance
• Fundraisers which produce a positive financial contribution to the Farm
• Community events which deliver social outcomes
• Partner with community events and local businesses and act as a venue for others

Café

• Become an exemplary city farm café with a welcoming sense of community, reasonable prices, good quality home cooked food and demonstrating good environmental principals
• Make a positive financial contribution to the Farm
• Provide training opportunities –e.g. employability skills for young people and long term unemployed
• Provide a front of house for the farm increasing visitor interaction such as longer stay times and more repeat visits
• Provide a venue for activities such as art exhibitions, music performance and social events.