Urban farm in Merton ‘overwhelmed’ by response to appeals for help to keep going

Fears that Merton’s charitable, community-run Deen City Farm might have to close due to a lack of funds after incurring huge repair bills have been allayed, thanks to community donations.

The urban farm in Windsor Avenue, Merton Abbey, which has been going since 1978, suffered a major power failure at the start of the year, restricting visitor numbers and incurring a five-figure repair bill.

On Sunday, it launched an urgent fundraising appeal to ensure it can keep going and, within days, its target of £50,000 has been met.

Delighted Matt Linden, chairman of the board of trustees, told the South London Press: “We really hadn’t anticipated reaching our target so quickly. The generosity of people has been overwhelming and we are incredibly grateful.”

The farm had an initial cash boost from supporters after the power outage, but the rising costs of fixing the problem had put its future in doubt. Now it seems likely that the immediate future through until next year is guaranteed.

The five-acre site – which is a home for cows, pigs, horses, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, wildfowl and Barry the goat (above) – opens six-days-a-week and is free to visit, with a recommended £3 donation.

More than that, though, Deen City Farm offers work experience placements, volunteering opportunities, runs programmes and activities for schools, hosts health and well-being programmes, runs sessions for SEN groups and delivers low-cost riding lessons.

It usually welcomes more than 130,000 visitors a year who enjoy their patch of countryside within South London.

In a Just Giving page, an appeal states: “Closing is the last resort and we will do whatever it takes to keep our farm gates open for you, but it is now a real possibility.

“Closing will mean the local community will lose a vital community asset and the important work we do supporting children and disadvantaged people will come to an end.”

Mr Linden said: “The financial situation is perilous despite the best efforts of our staff, partners and volunteers but we are navigating through this period with a clear focus on a sustainable model for the future.

“We do not want to see another inner-city free to access community, family and educational space, have to close. We hope supporters can really dig deep.”

It seems the prayers have been answered.

Their JustGiving page is:  https://www.justgiving.com/camHpaign/helpkeepdeencityfarmopen

Pictured top: The face of the appeal on the JustGiving page – Barry the goat (Picture: Deen City Farm)