heeley city farm
Heeley Residents Association wanted to see the land used to make Heeley a better
place to live. During 1980 the Association developed the idea of a city farm,
and gradually won support for it. Work began on site in July 1981 and the Farm
was founded. Over the following years Heeley City Farm had to fight one major
battle after another for money and security but the enthusiasm of workers and
residents won through. The Farm grew organically over the years from it’s early
days with a shed and £25 in the bank, and soon became a well-loved part of the
Heeley landscape providing beautiful green spaces and education, employment, and
training opportunities. Heeley City Farm is now a well established community,
not for profit charity and visitor attraction based on a working farm a mile
from Sheffield City centre. Staff and volunteers from Heeley City Farm work with
young people, adults with learning disabilities and with local communities
across Sheffield to promote regeneration, environmental education, energy
efficiency and health and well-being. Horticulture trainees, staff and
volunteers also manage organic vegetable gardens at Meersbrook Park, Wortley
Walled Gardens and Firth Park allotments. The last remaining terraced house on
the Farm site on Alexandra Road has been eco –refurbished and now houses Heeley
Energy House, formerly South Yorkshire Energy Centre, an interactive visitor and
advice centre open to the public on Wednesday - Sunday, 11am - 3pm. Heeley City
Farm is open every day of the year except Christmas Day 9am till 5pm
