Greenacres Farm celebrates completion of new build/upgraded facilities

Greenacres Farm in Baschurch celebrated the launch of its new build and upgraded facilities yesterday (Tuesday 3 December 2019). The regeneration project comprises of a modern dining room, commercial kitchen and new car park.

Greenacres Farm upgrade launch, with Andy Begley cutting the ribbon

Greenacres Farm, run by Shropshire Council, had received funding to improve facilities at the farm, which included:-

• • Construction of a new purpose-built building for the day service, that includes a new dining room and commercial kitchen, which will support a wide variety of activities to take place and support the production of a variety of products to be made and sold, such as jams and chutneys and cakes.
  • Refurbishment of the existing shower block with new showers, toilets, washing and drying facilities, which included installing solar power and improving insulation, making the building more eco-friendly.
  • Renovation of the existing potting shed building to house a modern shop, staff office and meeting room, will follow in the near future.

Initial work to prepare the grounds began on 23 April 2018 and was supported by a group of trainee military helicopter pilots from the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) based at RAF Shawbury. The 14 Army and RAF trainees came to support Greenacres as part of their community project work.

The preparation work involved dismantling and moving the existing shop building to make way for the new proposed day opportunity building. The military trainees also dismantled two very old greenhouses to make way for an outdoor retail display area adjacent to the new shop. With some carpentry help from Greenacres staff, the trainees used the dismantled material to reconstruct one good greenhouse in a new location on the farm.

Other work involved breaking up and levelling a raised concrete area in readiness for a new retail display area as well as painting two large chicken houses, several benches and gates and railings all around the farm. The military team also erected new fencing to enclose a paddock to house the farm’s Hebridean sheep. Greenacres held a thank you event on 27 April 2018 for the group of trainee pilots who were presented with a Greenacres hamper by Liam Cox who attends the service.

Andy Begley, Shropshire Council’s director of adult social care and housing, said:

“It’s great to see the fantastic work that’s been done to improve the facilities at our Greenacres Farm.

“I would like to thank our staff and the people who attend the farm, for all their hard work and commitment in completing the Greenacres regeneration project.

“These improvements will ensure Greenacres remains a vibrant and sustainable place, that not only benefits those who attend but the wider community as well.”

The 16-acre smallholding is run by Shropshire Council’s adult social care team and supports approximately 30 adults each week to gain new skills, knowledge and work experience in a horticultural setting.

All those who attend the farm are enabled to be involved in a variety of activities including: small animal care, managing poultry units and egg sales, woodwork, growing perennial garden, bedding and basket plants, as well as growing soft fruit and vegetables and seasonal items such as pumpkins and Christmas trees. All produce is either sold fresh, or turned into jams, pickles and chutneys and sold locally. 

For more information about Greenacres Farm visit: https://shropshire.gov.uk/disability-information/adults-with-learning-disabilities/greenacres-farm/