By Liv Woolf
Leicester’s city farm at Gorse Hill is struggling to stay afloat after several years without council funding but volunteers running it are desperate to celebrate its 40th birthday at the end of this year.
The farm in Anstey Lane has been going for 39 years with its supporters aiming to celebrate its 40-year anniversary on Boxing Day this year.
Dayle Lefort has been managing at the farm for 10 years and has witnessed the farm’s success over the years but sadly has also seen the struggles it has faced after funds were cut in 2019 by Leicester City Council which decided it was no longer a viable attraction it wanted to support.
Dayle said the farm, which is open every day from 10am until 4pm, has managed to still be run by itself despite the council funding being cut and has been able to stay afloat due to support from its customers.
“In general, we are struggling but we are doing our best,” he said.
“Without the customers we wouldn’t be able to stay open.”
The farm sells entry tickets for £5.50 and has a range of events and activities people can take part in such as walking alpacas, Santa’s grotto, Taylor Swift tribute acts and family festivals.
Business tends to improve in summer, especially school trips, however the cold weather doesn’t stop all customers from coming in the winter, especially with the events it hosts and colleges/students applying for work experience at the beginning of the term.
Dayle said the farm helps the community immensely by offering volunteering, providing education, as well as a safe place for people with difficulties to go and feel at ease.
The farm has about 50 volunteers as a charity-based business, with each volunteer signing up for a year, allowing them to become a member of the farm and also to have their say because they are eventually allowed to take part in decisions regarding the farm.
“We would be lost without our volunteers; we’re like a little family,” Dayle added.
To help the farm stay in business, the team managing it need extra help for any supplies such as wood or animal feed, and the community can help by donating to those or by ‘adopting’ an animal to help support the farm.
Any donations and support will be massively appreciated to help keep the farm alive. To find out more about the farm such as to buy tickets, see upcoming events or to donate, visit their website at www.gorsehillcityfarm.org.uk/home.
