Introduction:
This week, our group embarked on a journey to explore the Hackney City Farm and Spitalfields City Farm. These two city farms not only showcased different approaches to community engagement but also underscored the critical need for sustainable funding in the face of urban expansion. These observations and interactions helped me have a deep understanding about the challenges and opportunities that city farms encounter in modern urban landscapes.
Hackney City Farm vs. Spitalfields City Farm:
The visits to Hackney City Farm and Spitalfields City Farm unveiled contrasting paradigms of community integration. While Hackney City Farm creates a community for people who living around, inviting residents to embrace nature amidst urban sprawl, Spitalfields City Farm stands as a place of childhood exploration, nurturing the bond between children and the natural world. Despite their divergent approaches, both farms converge on the shared goals of community enrichment and educational outreach, underscoring the profound impact of these city farms on urban dwellers.
Photos of Hackney City Farm:
Photos of Spitalfields City Farm:
Funding Challenges and Sustainability:
Through insightful interviews with Hackney City Farm staff, I unearthed the daunting challenges that besiege city farms, chief among them being the precarious state of funding. Stripped of council support, these city farms rely on donations and space rentals to sustain operations, a model threatened by encroaching urbanization and competing land interests. The high-rise developments pose an existential threat to city farms, compelling me to explore innovative funding mechanisms that ensure their long-term viability.
Interview transcripts:
Case Study: Samsung Everland:
After researching the fundings of farms and animals, I found an interesting case study in South Korean, which is Samsung Everland (Everland, n.d.). Through investments in immersive animal attractions like “Lost Valley” and “Safari World,” Samsung Everland has redefined the visitor experience, prioritizing animal welfare and environmental harmony (Samsung C&T Global PR, 2023). This transformative approach not only galvanizes visitor engagement but also presents a compelling blueprint for bridging the gap between corporate interests and urban sanctuaries.
Forging Partnerships for Sustainability:
Inspired by the symbiotic relationship between Samsung Everland and corporate entities, our group envision a future where city farms serve as vibrant hubs of corporate-community collaboration. By fostering partnerships with large cooperatives, city farms can secure sustainable funding while providing a safe space to urban denizens burdened by the work stress. Such alliances promise to fortify the resilience of city farms and nurture holistic well-being in urban landscapes.
Reflections and Next Steps:
In conclusion, the journey to Hackney City Farm and Spitalfields City Farm has illuminated the profound significance of urban sanctuaries in fostering community cohesion and environmental stewardship. In the coming weeks, I planned to catalyse meaningful connections between corporate stakeholders and city farms, envisioning a future that city farms flourish as integral components of urban life.
Reference:
Everland, S. (no date) Everland, SAMSUNG C&T. Available at: https://rnc.samsungcnt.com/eng/business/everland/index.html (Accessed: 12 March 2024).
Samsung C&T Global PR (2023) Lost valley at Ten Years: Everland’s amazing animal attraction celebrates its first decade, Samsung C&T Newsroom. Available at: https://news.samsungcnt.com/en/features/resort/2023-04-lost-valley-at-ten-years-everlands-amazing-animal-attraction-celebrates-its-first-decade/ (Accessed: 12 March 2024).