The Gates of Kentish City Farm
Tucked between train tracks and housing estates in Kentish Town lies one of Camden’s community gems – a city farm that’s been part of the local landscape for 53 years. As Camden celebrates its 60th anniversary, Kentish Town City Farm continues to play an endearing role in the borough, standing as a living testament to Camden’s spirit of community, connection, and creativity. It’s a beautiful, serene, and welcoming space for children, adults and animals.
The Spirit of the Farm
Kentish Town City Farm was part of a radical initiative to bring nature into the heart of the city. In the same way that Camden itself has evolved and embraced change over the years, the farm continues to provide a unique space for city dwellers to connect with nature. The farm’s mission to remain free and open to all has ensured that it stays true to its original vision—offering hands-on experiences with animals and opportunities to learn about food production.
“We were the first ever City Farm, and we started that whole city farm movement back in 1972,” Claire, the Farmyard Manager, said.
Claire joined the Kentish Town City Farm Pony Club when she was 8 years old, studied horse care in college, and is now the Farmyard Manager.
Over the years, the farm has become a hub for families, with children learning the value of animals, nature, and community. Visitors can feed the animals, plant vegetables, and even join the Young Farmers Club, which teaches children essential skills like animal care and farming.
A City Oasis
While the farm provides a peaceful retreat for many, it can also be a lively and dynamic environment. There’s always something happening.
“It’s calm. It can be chaotic. It’s fun. And it can get noisy at feeding time for the animals,” Claire explains.
The farm is more than just a place to observe animals; it’s a space where people build meaningful relationships. One regular visitor, a young girl with additional needs, developed a special bond with a chicken named Ethel. When Ethel was moved to a different enclosure, the farm made sure to inform the family in advance.
“It’s a very unique and amazing place. It’s not usual that local kids can come in and learn how to muck out and do various things here and learn and be around animals and get really hands-on.” Claire explains.
The Sheep Enclosure
For visitors, the farm is full of surprises. The frog pond is a perfect spot for those seeking a quiet moment, while the sheep enclosure is always a popular attraction. Don’t forget the resident cow, the pair of donkeys and the charming goats.
What’s Coming Up
“We’ve got a lot of new things happening this year,” Claire says.
There will be a variety of events and activities designed to raise funds and bring the community together. The May Day event is one of the big ones, alongside birthday parties, school visits, and corporate volunteering days.
The delightful donkeys
While the farm receives support from various grants, its long-term sustainability depends on the ongoing support from locals, whether it’s through visits, donations, or simply spreading the word about this community gem. It also offers unique Team Days, Strategy Days, and Meeting Spaces, perfect for groups looking for something different.
An inquisitive Goat
Why It Matters
Kentish Town City Farm stands as a reminder of the importance of green space and community in a fast-paced city. In a place like London, where green space is limited, the farm provides a rare escape.
There is something special about Kentish Town City Farm. It feels like you’ve left the city behind. For anyone who hasn’t visited in a while—or ever— now might be a perfect time to take a trip to this invaluable community resource. Kentish Town City Farm is open every day and offers a tranquil escape that’s always worth a visit, whether that’s on a school day or a holiday.
For more details, visit https://ktcityfarm.org.uk
