Gemma Fox - Deep in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland among tenements, schools, football stadiums, shops and busy main roads lies Gorgie City Farm. The working farm plays an essential role in bringing a taste of farming life to city dwellers and helping to educate on agriculture.The land in which the farm stands on was, back in 1977, derelict land but a community group worked on clearing the land and on 1982 Gorgie City Farm opened its gates to the public. Since then the farm has seen tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Entering the farm is free and it does rely on donations and grants to stay open. The farm is a working farm and sells pigs, lambs, eggs and vegetables as well as manure. These sales go towards the running costs of the farm.
The farm is run a by a board and is also a registered charity.
Visitors to the farm can see a variety of farm animals from pigs, cows, goats, chickens and sheep. Also in the farm is the Wildlife Garden where, if you look closely enough in the pond, you might see a variety of frogs. There is also a a Pet Lodge and the opportunity for visitors to hold and pet animals ranging from snakes to rabbits and chickens, guinea pigs and tortoises.
The farm has an education centre and provides the chance for people to gain work experience as well as learning about animal care and welfare.
The farm has a fond place in the hearts of many people both within the local community but also in the wider community. For some children it represents the only chance they'll get to see and touch many animals and pets.
You can read more about Gorgie City Farm on its website.
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