About us

Fordhall Organic Farm, in Market Drayton, north Shropshire, is England’s first community-owned farm following a high profile campaign in 2006. At the time over 8000 people across the world supported siblings Charlotte and Ben Hollins to save their family home. Now owned by the community through a charitable community benefit society (Fordhall Community Land Initiative) and farmed by Ben Hollins, Fordhall is a wonderful example of community spirit and real organic farming.

A Place in the Sun

Fordhall Organic Farm is free to visit. We aim to show that small-scale farming, connected to the local community, offers a viable way of life for generations to come. The farm has been chemical free for over 65 years, and we rear cattle, sheep and pigs on an outdoor extensive grazing system.

As England’s first community owned farm we offer a day out for the whole family with Farm Trails, Farm Shop, and Arthur’s Farm Kitchen café.

You can even spend a magical glamping holiday here in our Shropshire-made Mongolian yurts. Our beautiful eco Straw Lodge is available to host your event or offer accommodation for larger groups.

We also run a range of events, volunteering activities, Youth Project and our Care Farm.

Why not become a shareholder of this wonderful farm, or buy a share for family or friends if you are looking for an ethical gift? Find out more!

Opening hours:

Tuesday – Saturday: 9.30am – 5pm (Arthur’s Farm Kitchen from 10am – 4pm)
Sunday: 10am – 4pm

CLOSED Dec 24th 12pm – 1st January

Contact us:

Office (for café bookings and enquiries about visiting, yurts, events, volunteering and projects) – Tel: 01630 638696 | Email: project@fordhallfarm.com

Farm Shop/Butchery – 01630 317531  | Email: shop@fordhallfarm.com

To receive a welcome direct from Ben and Charlotte Hollins, listen to this .mp3 (recorded by them in 2009)