City farm hopes to stay free amid rising costs

An urban farm which is celebrating its 50th year is battling "rising costs" of livestock feed and utility bills.

Ouseburn Farm in Newcastle has been free to all since it opened in 1976 but bosses are considering charging the public if they cannot raise funds.

Farm manager Katie Bates said: "We are facing pressures like lots of charities but we just need some support so we can remain free to everyone."

The farm, which is 10 minutes outside of Newcastle city centre, boasts a plethora of animals including goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, lizards, birds and a cow.

Entry to the farm still remains free to all, with the charity relying entirely on donations, grants and fundraising to keep its gates open.

Richie Jameson, livestock manager at the farm for 14 years, said: "There's a lot of unseen work, you do spend a lot of time and it is expensive.

"Year to year costs have been rising including the price of hay, livestock feed and utilities bills."

The farm was first opened by local families in Byker who wanted access to nature for their children.

The charity has now become "one of Newcastle's most treasured community spaces" and it provides work opportunities to some of the city's most vulnerable adults, Bates said.

"For 50 years, this place has given people somewhere to belong, somewhere to grow, and somewhere to feel proud of what they've achieved," she said.

"We want to continue to be around for the next 50 years and we hope the public can continue to support us through that time."

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