East Brighton City Farm: Regular readers of the Phoenix will know that local residents have been working for a few years now, trying to establish a city farm in East Brighton. Now at last things are beginning to happen. A local firm of architects, RH Partnership, has drawn up an amazing set of plans for the farm site, on Sheepcote Valley, to the East of Whitehawk. The plans include an Earthship building built into the chalk banks - similar to the one being built at Stanmer Park. A Visitors Centre with walls built from straw bales and a Timber Framed Toilet Block with compost toilets! Behind the design is the idea that the farm is as self-sustainable as possible, in order to reduce energy consumption and environmental pollution.

Within the next few months the City Farm’s Board of Trustees will be approaching the City Council with a comprehensive proposal for their project, to request a lease for the site (which the Council owns) and planning permission. Provided the Board is successful, the next stages will be laying out the site and then building the farm. At this stage the final application for funding from eb4u (who have earmarked money for the City Farm) will also be made.

When it is finally complete, the farm will be a great resource for the people of East Brighton. Visitors will be able to see the farm animals, learn new skills, visit the gardens, play in the adventure playground, eat in the cafe and much more. Entry to the farm will be FREE. The site will also be used as a meeting place and an educational facility.

The East Brighton City Farm Committee are always on the look out for new members to offer ideas and give a representative outlook. If you are interested in becoming involved, then why not have a look at our website at www.ebcityfarm.org.uk for more information. You can also ring Angie on 01273 580 193 or email ebcityfarm@hotmail.com

The farm is having its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 1st March. This will be at the Valley Social Centre, in Whitehawk, at 6.30pm and all residents are welcome to attend.

Written by Angie Airlie.

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