About

The St James City Farm is situated in the heart of the Barton and Tredworth area of the city. You could be forgiven for thinking that you were day dreaming, seeing cows and sheep running around in the centre of Gloucester!

It’s 1.5 acres of paddocks housing a variety of rare breeds, including a pair of Dexter cows, Golden Guernsey and Pygmy goats, a Saddleback sow, and a small flock of Cotswold lion sheep. A Bagot goat and her two kids have also arrived, and there’s about 50 poultry of various backgrounds running around a retired Welsh Pony, as well as a variety of rabbits and guinea pigs.

A key theme of this farm is that it’s very ‘hands on’, so subject to the health and safety measures and the welfare of the stock, children can get up close, handle and feed the animals.

The farm was established 16 years ago by a group of committed locals under the guidance of Gloucester City Council. This city farm was one of only two in the whole country that were funded and run by a local authority. By 2010, financial difficulties meant that the farm's future looked uncertain. Fortunately a local charity and community group, The Friendship Cafe, managed to step in and save the farm. They believed it was too important an asset for local residents to lose and set about taking over management of the site and running it for the benefit of the community.

To do this, they rely wholly on the dedication and experience of the farm staff and volunteers, generosity of their sponsors and the strong community links that is provided by The Friendship Cafe.

If you think that you can sponsor St James City Farm, even with something as small as a regular bale of hay or some tools, please do contact them directly!