Hartcliffe Community Farm, an 11-acre site in BS13, is available for Community Asset Transfer (CAT) bids, giving community organisations the chance to manage and run the farm buildings, allotments and land as a community hub.

Bristol City Council is looking for groups and organisations with the skills and investment to maximise the site's potential, making it a countryside resource centre that benefits the community. 

The farm, on Lampton Avenue, is close to Dundry. It was founded in 1980, but land was acquired by Bristol City Council in the 1950s when the Hartcliffe housing estate was being constructed. Buildings on the farm are already used for educational visits, plus there are animal pens, polytunnels, small ponds, and a children's playground on site. The community-managed allotment area, with 36 plots, is accesed from Court Farm Road.

Hartcliffe is a neighbourhood with multiple deprivation, including health inequalities, but any community organisation taking over the farm has a real opportunity to connect with local people and help improve their health and wellbeing through activities and events on the site. The aim is for visits to be free or low cost, helping people to access the farm regardless of their income. 

Many Hartcliffe residents rallied round as the COVID-19 pandemic developed, volunteering in the community to support the most vulnerable. Those involved in broader community action have laid out principles for CAT applicants to consider in their bids:

1. Access for all.
2. Engaging with animals and nature.
3. Education and employment.

Click here for the full guidelines and detailed information about Hartcliffe Community Farm. If you have any questions, please email community.buildings@bristol.gov.uk or call 0117 903 6440. 

Hartcliffe and Withywood Community Partnership is hosting an information event on Tuesday 15 September for community-focused organisations who may be interested in submitting a bid. The event takes place over Zoom from 11am - 1pm. 

Community groups can email their proposals to community.buildings@bristol.gov.uk - the deadline is 9am on
Monday 19 October 2020.