HISTORY OF THE FARM:
The land on which the farm resides boasts a rich agricultural heritage, stretching back over 400 years.
1600s – 1800s
Before the Industrial Revolution, the land served as pasture and farmland, likely part of Hollybush Farm. Over time, it was divided into parcels attached to various mills, including Savins (now Morrison’s), St Ann’s, and Burley Mills (currently the Home Office building).
1800s – 1900s
During the Industrial Revolution, the land was owned by the Earl of Cardigan and leased to Sir Graham Sandford, with John Howard of Burley Mills occupying it. The land continued to be used as pasture and mixed farming.
1940s
In the post-war era, the Council purchased the land to support the allotment food drive. Some of our current allotment holders are descendants of the original plot holders from this time!
1987
The land was designated a development asset by Leeds Development Corporation. Allotments were allowed to decline to facilitate potential development. Councillor John Illingworth took a plot to ensure that this Grade 1 agricultural land remained protected.
1990s – 2015
Despite dwindling numbers, the allotments remained occupied by dedicated legacy holders, shielding the land from development. Agreements were made with Bill Simpson, who tenant-farmed what we now recognise as the Farm, and later with the West Yorkshire Probation Service (WYPS), who managed their own plot.
2015 – present
After Bill Simpson’s passing, much of the Farm fell fallow. However, WYPS and allotment holders continued their efforts. Kirkstall Valley Development Trust (KVDT) was formed, aiming to utilise community asset transfers to bring underused spaces into community use, and identified the Farm as a key opportunity.
2018
The first formal meeting to establish a Steering Group was held. This group, with guidance from the CSA Network, Askham Bryan, Sue Brown (former grower at Canalside and Five Acres in the Midlands), the community, elected members, and existing stakeholders, developed the original concept for the Farm.
2019
We received a decision in principle for the lease and immediate site access, enabling us to start clearing the fields of 8-foot-high weeds. Once cleared, we planted our demo plot and opened the site for community activities and tours. Lease negotiations began, complicated by conflicting laws regarding allotment and farmland used for community purposes.
In September 2019 Leeds City Council awarded the Trust the Lease on the 16 acre Burley Mills Farm, due to be finally signed for in early 2021.
2020
In early 2020, we crowdfunded £45,000 from over 300 supporters to get us going. Our first community events started just as COVID-19 hit. Despite the pandemic forcing significant changes, the Farm demonstrated its value as an outdoor community space.
2021
We finally signed the lease!
We employed Rhian, who started proper growing operations, and soon after, Ben joined the team.
Veolia Trust awarded us £26,000, which funded our visitor and storage compound.
In summer 2021, our first vegetable boxes were delivered, marking a significant milestone for Kirkstall Valley Farm.
We are always looking for harvest share members (weekly veg boxes), volunteers and supporting members. Please email [email protected] if you have any particular questions.
We have also revitalised the allotments on the site and the Association has gone from 6 plot holders to being full. Contact [email protected] if you would like to be on the (short) waiting list.