50k for 50 Years

Aim

Help us raise £50k on our 50th anniversary. We’re free for the community, and we want to remain that way, always.

Our story

Ouseburn Farm (originally known as Byker City Farm) was created by local families who wanted something different for their children - a chance to learn, explore, and feel part of something real.

What began in 1976 as a small, community-led project has grown into something much bigger, a place where people of all ages and abilities can connect with animals, nature, and each other.

From its early days as a space for local children to experience farm life, to today’s role as a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities, difficulties, and autism, the farm has always been rooted in one simple idea:

A farm like this doesn’t just grow food - it grows people.

A working care farm, we support adults with additional needs, alongside the wider community in a mixed, inclusive setting. 

We also provide much-needed community and green space next to two of the country’s most socially and economically deprived neighbourhoods. Children and families from these areas and the wider city come to the farm regularly to experience farm life, learn where food comes from and enjoy the sense of awe and wellbeing that comes from engaging with nature.

“There’s not many things you can do for free nowadays. This also gives a sense of ownership… this belongs to the community and I think that’s important”. Local resident

“Having this resource in the city is essential for people that rely on public transport or have little or no disposable income to go to bigger attractions in the north east. The farm is always welcoming and there is a high emphasis on welfare which is really positive.” Farm visitor

The mantra we live by

This is a place for growing.

Plants, fruit and veg, animals, but most of all, people.

We cultivate joy here. And learning.

We nurture self-confidence and a sense of belonging.

You’ll feel it as soon as you walk through our door.

Lives are being enriched. Needs are being nourished.

It couldn’t happen without our volunteers. Or your donations.

We’re a charity. Run for people, not for profits.

A community-spirited place where everyone is welcome. And valued.

This is a happy place.

A wholesome place. A human place.

Why your support matters

Our 50th anniversary isn’t just about looking back, it’s about recognising what makes the farm so important today, and ensuring it continues for the future.

At a time when access to green space, community, and inclusive opportunities is more important than ever, Ouseburn Farm offers something rare, a place to slow down, a place to learn and grow, and a place where everyone belongs. For many people, the farm is part of their story, and has been for generations.

The ask

We are raising £50,000. 50k for 50 years. 

Every pound goes directly into keeping the farm going so that we can keep doing what we’ve always done: grow people, grow skills and grow community.

Whether you give £5 or £5,000, you are helping to keep this special place alive for the people who need it most.

Rewards

£5 - Do something good today

A takeaway coffee costs about £5 and lasts 20 minutes. A donation to us feels better and the warm feeling lasts a lot longer! You’ll help us keep the animals fed, the lights on, and the gates open for everyone.

£25 - Fan mail from a farm animal

Donate £25 and one of our residents will write to say thank you. Expect a heartfelt message from one of our animals, straight to your inbox. Who you hear from is a lovely surprise!

£50 - Take a little bit of the farm home

We will send you a packet of wildflower seeds and an Ouseburn Farm fridge magnet. Plant the seeds somewhere they can grow and think of it as a little corner of the farm, wherever you are.

£100 - Adopt an animal

Choose one of our animals to sponsor. Your new best friend will send you a personalised email, and you will receive a fridge magnet. We will tell you all about your animal, what they get up to and why they are brilliant. A lovely gift for someone who loves animals, or a treat for yourself.

£150 - Take the goats for a walk

This buys you the pleasure of a group goat walk (up to six people), taking Jerome, Robbie and Sonny for a stroll around the Ouseburn valley: We don’t offer public goat walks anymore so this is a rare and much sought-after opportunity to hang out with our goat gang!

£200 - VIP experience: a morning on the farm with family or friends

Arrive before the farm opens to the public for a truly special experience - and get the place all to yourselves. You’ll help give the animals their breakfast, take them out to the fields, look for eggs in the hen house and warm up with a hot drink in the cafe afterwards.

£500 - An invitation to an exclusive event at the farm

As a thank you for your generosity, you will receive a personal invitation to an exclusive event at the farm.

£1,000 - Bring your team to the farm

A unique opportunity to have a team-building day that gives back to the community. Tasks might include mucking out, harvesting fruit, painting fences, as well as lots of time with the animals throughout the day. (For teams of up to 12 people)

£5,000 - Leave a lasting legacy on the farm

Your name, or the name of someone you love, will be permanently displayed on a plaque in the farmyard at Ouseburn Farm. The farm will keep growing and providing a special space for the community, long after all of us. Your name will be here when it does.

Please donate now

Fifty years is a long time. But the farm is only here because people like you have always cared about it.

Help us keep growing. 

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 30th July 2026 at 8:20pm