Kentish Town City Farm was built on a disused timber yard where two railway lines crossed in 1972. Ever since it's been providing animals, gardening, horse-riding and great educational and volunteer opportunities, giving a taste of rural farm life to people in a deprived part of the city. It was the first of its kind, preparing the ground for the 11 other city farms now working in London.
40 years on and celebrations for the farm's 'Heritage Year' start this Sunday between 12-4pm with an indoor table-top sale. And thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, a group of local young people will be putting together an exhibition about the history of the farm and Gospel Oak, researching local archives, collecting stories, photographs and memorabilia from the local community.
However, if the farm is going to be around for another 40 years, it needs additional support. An article in the Kentish Towner flags up that 75% of its core funding from Camden will be lost over the next three years. The farm is open seven days a week and entrance is free, but if you can, please make a donation when you visit or online.
And spend big at the table-top sale on Sunday. Entrance to that is just 25p.
There's a really excellent video about the farm that you can watch at the City Bridge Trust website.
Photo by Gaz-zee-boh taken in 2008 ie. before London Overground took over the line.
