A beautiful 180-acre biodynamic organic mixed farm in Worcestershire, half way between Worcester and Stratford-upon-Avon. Rush Farm has been under the Biodynamic Land Trust’s custodianship since 2014.
The Land Trust helped co-found Stockwood Community Benefit Society (SCBS) in 2011 as custodian trustee and anchor investor. Consequently, this helped safeguard the family farm and 27-unit business park. These became a community-owned enterprise to remain as a biodynamic farm and social hub for ever.
Stockwood Community Benefit Society
Stockwood Community Benefit Society is a successful community-owned property and land trust. Following its establishment, it now owns the rural business park and 180 acres of farmland. Around 100 people work on site.
The Land Trust stewardship holds Rush Farm within the SCBS Rules. As a result, should the current tenants, the Parsons family, stop farming, the Land Trust will ensure that the farm remains biodynamic.
Renewable energy
SCBS has over 300 members and recently installed a £400,000 solar and ground source heat pump system to heat the business park. Providing warm air in winter and cold in summer this district heating system is better for the tenants as well as the environment.
Social impact
SCBS works with partners to deliver land-based education proven to help children challenged by mainstream education to adjust and thrive. It also offers bush craft training and aims to open a Steiner early-years provision on the farm.
For more information see the Stockwood Community Benefit Society website.
