Farming for the Fun of it !

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Bill Quay Community Farm opened in 1986 and is a partnership between the Bill Quay Community Farm Association (Registered Charity No. 517779) and Gateshead Council. Together, our Farm team have transformed this 25 acre site into a thriving community leisure project. Much of the work to restore the natural heritage, to what is now, one of the greenest banks on Tyneside has been achieved by Volunteers and we value and encourage community involvement. We are members of The Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, a network that exists to support, represent and promote community-managed farms and gardens across the United Kingdom. Organisations involved with the Federation exist mainly in urban areas and are created in response to a lack of access to green space, combined with a desire to encourage strong community relationships and an awareness of farming and gardening.

Our main activity is the husbandry of endangered Breeds of Livestock and the Farm is a Rare Breed Survival Trust Approved Conservation Farm Park. The Longhorn cattle and flying flock of Hebridean sheep tour Gateshead’s nature reserves as part of a programme of conservation grazing to improve these sites for wildlife. The livestock are regular attendees at local fetes and compete with the best at national shows, with Ruby the Tamworth pig taking Female Champion at the Royal Show in 2005.

Over time the landscape has been returned to its pre–industrial condition through the re-establishment of woodlands, grasslands, wetlands and hedgerows. Sensitive maintenance is applied to the mosaic of habitats which support a diverse medley of flora and fauna.  The wildlife area was awarded Green Pennant in 2007 by the Civic Trust and the Farm has held Green Flag status since 2008. In 2010 we polled 4th, out of all Green Flag Award winning parks, in the People’s Choice Award, confirming the Farm as a cherished green space at the heart of the community.
As the site has matured, estate management has focused on the use of traditional skills, crafts and training initiatives. The Farm is now accredited by Natural England as a Country Park and Local Nature Reserve.

We are also accredited through DEFRA’s Access to Farms and DfE’s Learning Outside The Classroom schemes, confirming Bill Quay Farm as a quality and safe destination for Learning.

The Farm and its location, with panoramic views of the Tyne, have inspired many creative collaborations and there are striking and original artworks everywhere.

The Farms Local Food Connection offers local and fair-trade refreshments in a gallery setting, along with information environmental issues, renewable technology, freedom food and healthy eating.

Most recently our work has focused on Wellbeing and health and we now have a dedicated arts and activity space which is home to The Farmyard Arts Studio. Outdoors, you can be fit and active by exploring the Farm and surrounding area along one of our Walks and Trails or taking part on a Farm task day when you can join in, learn new skills, keep fit and make friends.