Charlotte and Ben’s account of their struggles to save their father’s farm is an inspirational tale that warms the heart, and through their own words leaves you with a deep appreciation of the hard work, that these organic food heroes have been through to bring an honest meal to our plates.
Their father Arthur Hollins was a pioneer of the organic farming movement. Arther was a farmer with an uncompromising approach to farming in harmony with nature. The story starts with Arthur’s struggles in the face of government and peer opposition to his ‘crazy’ methods, that many people now accept as normal.
A man of stubborn morals, Arthur and his wife built a up successful ‘cottage’ industry, pioneering the sale of yogurt in post war Britain and re-embellishing the nations impoverished tastebuds with the delicious and nutritious products of their organic methods.
As crisis after crisis hit in the late 80s good fortunes set a sound business plummeting to the brink of despair. In step Ben and Charlotte, the son and daughter of Arthur Hollins and saviours of Fordhall Farm, it’s historic past and Arthurs time-honoured farming techniques.
This is a tale of two bloody-minded individuals struggling against legislation, planning processes, financial desperation and a system that kept saying ‘no’. Blow by blow their exhausting journey develops, in this page turning adventure of success in the face of adversity.
Before Jimmy’s Farm there was Fordhall, Charlotte, Ben and the under-recognised Sophie, farming entrepreneurs embracing a revolutionary system of farming in Shropshire for the benefit of the environment and the community.
The Fight for Fordhall Farm is an easy and enjoyable read, which leaves you feeling part of the farms journey, and standing at the door with an invitation to be part of it’s future, as a shareholder or volunteer. I’m already starting to plan getting my hands dirty on the farm.
The Fight for Fordhall Farm is available from all good booksellers. ISBN 9780340951248.
Be part of Fordhall’s Future. Shares in the Fordhall’s unique Community Land Initiative are available online for £50 per share from the Fordhall Farm website.
