Local people can enjoy some ‘fun on the farm’ at Wilderland Farm in Haddenham this weekend during a one-off event.

Ely Standard: Ely residents are invited to Wilderland Farm in Haddenham for a one-day ‘fun at the farm’ event. Photo: Wilderland FarmEly residents are invited to Wilderland Farm in Haddenham for a one-day ‘fun at the farm’ event. Photo: Wilderland Farm (Image: Archant)

Thanks to funding from the Sanctuary’s Grand Ideas Fund, the farm, just outside of Ely, will open its doors to the public.

The event, which aims to educate people on the future of the community farm, will take place on Sunday March 25 between 10am and 3pm.

It will give visitors the chance to find out more about the farm, as well as helping to build raised beds, pallet chairs and sowing vegetable seeds.

The farm, which spans 4.5 acres, was established in 2015 by a group of friends who shared an interest in farming and wildlife.

Ely Standard: Ely residents are invited to Wilderland Farm in Haddenham for a one-day ‘fun at the farm’ event. Photo: Wilderland FarmEly residents are invited to Wilderland Farm in Haddenham for a one-day ‘fun at the farm’ event. Photo: Wilderland Farm (Image: Archant)

Starting out with just an overgrown field and a plan to transform it into a small farm, orchard and market garden, members have already planted fruit trees, built up hedgerows and started growing crops.

Simon Rudkin, Sanctuary’s area manager, said: “Willderland Farm is a fantastic community project that is bringing people together and helping them enhance the local environment and live more sustainable lifestyles.”

Will Birkin, founder of Wilderland Farm, said: “Our vision is to create something truly special, a community farm with crops, animals and wildlife and a lovely place for people to come together.

“In the long term, volunteers will reap the fruits of their work as produce starts to be harvested.

“The Willderland members are a friendly bunch and would really welcome new people of all ages to join us.

“We hope to see lots of new faces at our upcoming event and would like to thank Sanctuary for supporting us to hold it.

“The upcoming open day is the third to be staged with funding from Sanctuary.

“Refreshments will be served and transport is available for anyone unable to make their own way there.”

Established in 1969, Sanctuary Group is responsible for the provision of social housing, care and management services across England and Scotland.

It owns or operates over 100,000 units of accommodation and employs more than 12,000 people.

For more information and to sign up for a place at the event email info@willderland.com