It was built for far more, we had much planned for it, but it failed to materialise when everything changed for us.
That change was mainly one of focus - both for the farm and for those of us still involved. For the farm this meant backing off from acquiring land for now - sitting on our laurels perhaps - while for myself and others it meant taking a break from the whole scheme and exploring pastures new.
I stayed on as director, but took no part in any plans or events. Ideally someone would have joined as another director to give the project some momentum, but no one grabbed that thistle at the time. Whether this was the best situation or not, it certainly allows me now to look at the plans with fresh eyes.
I can tell you they're as viable as they ever were, and it would be very easy to become sucked back in and carried away with all the various possibilities.
The basic premise and idea - focusing on education and ensuring it's a self-sustaining project - is still possible. The numerous schemes now successfully carrying out similar ideas to those we had 4 years ago are testament to that.
What is vital though, and is certainly lacking right now, is a group of people willing to take this on with enthusiasm.
With a lot of support I might have been willing to run with it again, but I bare a few too many scars and carry a fair amount of cynicism for people and organisations the project will need on their side.
So this is a call for anyone - an individual, a couple, a bunch of friends, a group, anyone - looking for a new adventure to throw themselves into. It's fun, it's hard work, it becomes a big part of your life, it might even become your livelihood.
You might have innovative ideas of how it might work, or no idea. Farm experience might not actually help - you have to think very differently at times, and be open to new ideas - often not farming related.
We've taken all details of our plans off the website, and haven't mentioned any of them here so you aren't distracted. You can forget everything you think of when you imagine an urban farm if you like - I was never really happy about describing ourselves as one, as the image it conjured up for people we talked to wasn't what we intended to be.
I'm willing to stay on for a year or two in a back seat role, pass on any experience, knowledge, and contacts we've picked up - but at the end of the day it will be a fresh start to the project. The new arrivals can take it in any direction they wish - reign in the plans, or chase rainbows, it will be theirs to play with.
If you're at all interested please get in touch. We promise not to throw you in the deep end or get in your way if you want to dive straight in.
Phone 07904 925 902 or email Jamie@NUFP.org.uk
Jamie
