The history of the site and the farm today
Hartcliffe Farm spans approximately 2.7 hectares on the southern edge of Bristol, nestled at the base of the Dundry Slopes.
History of the site
The site was originally part of farmland acquired by the council in the early 1950s to build the Hartcliffe housing estate.
Since the early 1980s, the farm has been managed by the local community as a welcoming space for everyone, offering free public access and providing a mix of recreational opportunities and informal educational activities for visitors of all ages.
In recent years, the original organisation faced challenges maintaining the ageing infrastructure, leading the council to terminate the lease.
In 2020, we invited expressions of interest from community-based organisations to secure the farm's future. Working closely with local residents, we selected a new organisation to take the farm forward.
The farm today
Today, Hartcliffe City Farm is the newly formed charity that manages the site under a long-term Community Asset Transfer (CAT) lease. This partnership ensures the farm remains a vibrant community hub and countryside resource for generations to come.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, meet the animals, and explore outdoor spaces, all free of charge. Beyond being a great day out, the farm plays an important role in the local economy by creating jobs, offering training, and supporting enterprise opportunities.
The new CAT lease guarantees the farm's long-term security and its transformation into a valuable resource for the community.
Find out more about opening times, events, and activities on the Hartcliffe City Farm website.