Islington’s only farm has started a crowdfunder campaign to bring back pigs.
Staff at Freightliners Farm, in Sheringham Road, Holloway, hope to raise £8,000 on the fundraising website by midnight on Saturday.
The money would help fund much-needed repair work on the farm, making it more hospitable to the large animals that live there and – most importantly – enable it to keep pigs.
The money would go towards installing a new automatic water system for barn animals, repairing the drainage to prevent further damage, installing new stabling divides to replace rusted, rotten and worn-out fences and make improvements to access and safety. It would also contribute to the costs and care of the new pigs and other barn animals in the coming months.
“The repair work for the pig sties is our main priority because we haven’t managed to keep pigs here for a while,” manager Liz McAllister, said.
“Everyone is always asking us: ‘Where are the pigs, when are they coming?’”
She added: “The barn stabling has been repaired many times and at first glance you probably wouldn’t notice because it’s painted but all the metal work is rusted through and the panels are starting to rot away and have big holes in them.”
The state of the pens has caused problems, she says, especially for one of Olivia the cow who has managed to break out of her pen.
The farm, which is run by a 60-strong team of regular volunteers, is largely funded by small grants and donations. There is also a café and the farm sells manure.
All contributors will have their name put on the “pigsty wall of thanks” and will receive a gift depending on the size of their donation.
Thank you gifts range from a Christmas card from the animals if you pledge £10 to hosting a dinner party on the farm for up to 15 people if you pledge £1,500 or more.
To find out more and to donate visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ThePigProject/
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