We are delighted to be taking part in Agroforestry Open Weekend 2024
Our farM
We are a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm, and a Cooperative Community Interest Company (CIC) . We offer seasonal weekly veg bags of organic food grown on the farm. Our organic status is approved by the Soil Association. We are a member co-operative where our volunteer farmers and customers are all members. We are part of a network of CSA farms across the country.
We began farming on our present site in 2016 when we moved onto a 14 acre (5.8ha) field leased to us by Gibside National Trust estate. We are in the North East of England at a height of 180m Previously it was a barley/sheep field. It is very windy and we look down on a wind farm and can see the Cheviots many miles away. Since 2016 we have been converting it to a horticultural holding. The farm has a market garden area, poly tunnel and larger field plots separated by agroforestry rows. The overall farm layout was informed by permaculture design principles.
We aim
- to use farming methods that adapt to the impact of global warming, reduce our impact on climate change and supports the natural habitat and wildlife.
- to create a fun and sociable community for our members and to serve and involve a wider community.
- to be financially viable and independent whilst also ensuring we are open to all.
- to be a learning environment internally and externally.
Our agroforestry
We have an agroforestry scheme based on the Wakelyns model (which we visited during our design phase several years ago), with field plots between agroforestry rows.
The agroforestry rows are:
1/Basketry willow (now being left to grow to biomass size, as we have created a separate basketry willow area)
2/Hazel row ( now all with tree shelters as we have a severe deer problem)
3/Tree crop row – fruit trees and shrubs interplanted with nitrogen fixers planted 2017-18 with recent addition of blackcurrant bushes 2024
4/Hazel row (as 2 above)
5/ Tree crop row – fruit trees and shrubs interplanted with nitrogen fixers – planted 2017-18. Underplanted with Rhubarb
There are two rows designated for agroforestry but not planted yet
The picture above shows the basketry willow growing out
We have a 44 tree apple orchard – planted in 2016-8 which is now yielding well
Shelter Belt – a 5 row shelter belt / food forest has been planted and is now becoming established., with extra layers to protect the orchard area The field is exceptionally windy and exposed. Planted mainly with native species but with walnuts/chestnuts/filberts/crab apples and some exotics within. The idea is to shelter the main growing areas. The field layout is based on permaculture design principles.
how to find us
You will find us at Fellside Rd, Burnopfield, Gateshead NE16 5LA between the A692 and Whickham, just outside Burnopfield. The farm/field doesn’t have its own postcode. The postcode is for the Holly Riding Stables next door to us. Our location map is here
agroforestry open weekend 2024
Over Agroforestry Open Weekend 2024 we will be open on Saturday May 18th with free tours of the Farm at 11am and 2pm. The tour takes approximately 1 hour. The ground surface is rough in places so please wear suitable strong boots/wellies etc
please email to let us know you are coming alonG
gibsidecommunityfarm@gmail.com
facilities/refreshments
Light refreshments will be available for a small donation. There is a composting toilet on site.
parking/access
There is limited parking on our Farm but plenty of parking just across the road that will be signposted. Please take care when crossing the road and walking to our entrance. Sketch map for parking here
dogs
Please leave your dog at home.
disability access
Although we have an accessible toilet, moving around the Farm requires care and caution. In most places the ground is uneven, rutted and grass covered.
Take a look 