LOVE Gorgie Farm facts for kids
LOVE Gorgie Farm is a special kind of farm called an urban farm. It's located in Gorgie, a part of south-west Edinburgh, Scotland. This farm is run by a charity called LOVE Learning, which helps children and young people. It's a place where you can see farm animals, learn about nature, and enjoy a green space right in the city!
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A Look Back: The Farm's Story
The farm began in the late 1970s. A group of people from the community worked together to clear a messy, unused piece of land. They wanted to create a green space for everyone to enjoy. The farm officially opened its doors in 1982.
Back then, it was a working farm. It sold lambs and pigs. It was also home to other animals like cows, sheep, and goats. There was even a small play park for kids to use their imagination. Entry to the farm was always free. The farm relied on donations from visitors and a grant from the City of Edinburgh Council to pay staff.
Facing Challenges and Community Support
In April 2016, Gorgie City Farm faced a big problem. Its costs were going up, and it was getting less money from outside groups. The farm asked the community for help to stay open. People and businesses in the area responded amazingly! They raised £100,000 in just six weeks. This money helped the farm keep running.
A special visitor came to the farm on July 4, 2019. Queen Elizabeth II toured the animal areas and gardens. She met with the staff, volunteers, and others who had helped the farm.
However, the farm still had money troubles. It didn't have a strong plan to make enough money on its own. Even after raising another £100,000, the farm had to close in November 2019.
A New Beginning for the Farm
The local council then looked for a new group to run the farm. LOVE Learning, a charity that helps vulnerable children and young people, was chosen. They were given the chance to lease, or rent, the farm.
The farm reopened on February 29, 2020. It had a new name: LOVE Gorgie Farm. The money that the community had raised was given to LOVE Learning. This helped the farm continue its work. It also allowed them to start new projects. These included community support groups, education workshops, and mental health programs. The farm also opened a food bank and a café. LOVE Gorgie Farm now offers training programs. These help young people learn skills for jobs.
The Farm During the Pandemic
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused many places to close. LOVE Gorgie Farm had to close temporarily too. But even while closed, it helped the community. It acted as a food bank. It also delivered free breakfast to children when schools were shut. The farm even offered free pet boarding. This was for people who were sick or had to go to the hospital.
After being closed for four months, LOVE Gorgie Farm reopened. This was on June 29, 2020. It followed the Scottish Government's rules for zoos and animal parks.
