Shropshire community farm is appealing for help to construct a bird hide - how you can help

The UK's first community-owned farm, which is based in Market Drayton, has been given the opportunity to fundraise through Spacehive/Crowdfund Shropshire who have committed to match funding if the project receives enough backing.

If successful, then Fordhall Organic Farm will gain access to match funding which will enable them to create and construct a 'bespoke' bird hide by one of their on-site wildlife ponds. 

The farm's newest campaign is aiming to improve the health of its on-site water-courses by slowing down the flow, creating cow bathing pools, encouraging biodiversity and improving water quality. 

£15,000 has already been raised after an initial appeal, but the community-owned farm has now decided to take their project further in a bid to develop and expand work around the ponds for improved public access.

The farm now has until May 14 to secure the additional match funding. 

Fordhall Organic Farm also said it would plant apple trees along its water courses to "attract the native water vole and soak water into the ground".

Members of the farm's Youth Project - which helps young people struggling in mainstream education - will assist with the bird hide's development and construction, if the project goes ahead.

The farm already has a bird hide in its woodland and is hopeful of being able to add a second. 

Charlotte Hollins, Fordhall Community Land Initiative general manager, said: "We are so grateful to everyone who has donated to our initial funding drive, to create a healthier and cleaner future, for the water-courses we have here at Fordhall. This project aims to benefit our livestock, biodiversity and community.

"We are really excited to have the opportunity to expand this project, with plans to involve the Youth Project and volunteers with the construction of a second bird hide on-site - the first resides in our woodland. 

"It’s wonderful to have been considered for this additional funding pot and with how great the response has been so far, we are hopeful we will reach the requirement for match funding.

"Of course, we know not everyone is able to provide monetary donations - we are so grateful to anyone who would like to donate their time as a volunteer, or help us spread the word by sharing our project!"

Further information about the project can be found here.