Wythenshawe Community Farm has been established for over 30 years and is the only urban farm in South Manchester.  

A group of local volunteers of varying ages assist in the day-to-day running of the farm, which attracts over 30,000 visitors each year. Children, adults and those with varying abilities and specific needs can benefit from the farm’s various projects. The farm also provides work experience placements for students and volunteers, the long-term unemployed, young people and those with disabilities, providing them with training in animal husbandry and farm practice.

25-year-old Ryan began working with Wythenshawe Community Farm in February 2014. It’s made a huge difference to his life. “I started here because I was interested in how a working farm operates,” explains Ryan. “Since working here I have learnt a lot, including animal husbandry and how to look after different types of farm animals. Since then I have gone on to work full-time on a pig farm, which I would say would not have happened if it weren’t for Wythenshawe Community Farm.”

For the past couple of years the group has been involved in ‘Real Foods Wythenshawe’. This project offers a unique opportunity for the people of Wythenshawe to learn how to grow their own fruit and vegetables by attending the farm’s volunteer days and taking their new skills back to their own gardens.