Charity helps community farm make the most of rain » Communities » 24dash.com

A community farm in Nottingham has been given a helping hand to make the most of rainwater, thanks to recycling charity Family First.

The Nottingham-based charity has provided around £3,000 to enable Stonebridge City Farm, in St Anns, to extend and improve its rainwater recycling system so they can be self-sufficient in collected water.

The farm, which provides work experience for people with learning and physical disabilities, mental health problems and addictions has used the donation to buy new waterbutts, a high pressure pump and pipes.

The new system covers the entire garden and polytunnel areas and has been designed to be simple and accessible to those who work on the farm. It can store large quantities of rainwater, which is then used to water plants and vegetables in periods of dry weather. It is also visible so the local community can see a working conservation programme in action.

Family First has also provided the farm with two picnic tables to increase seating for visitors to the community café and childrens play area. The tables are made from recycled material and specifically designed to be wheelchair-friendly.

Patrick Taylor, Managing Director at Family First said: We are delighted to support the farm and hope its visitors enjoy the new facilities. Family First is committed to recycling and reducing waste and to supporting individuals with a range of needs and this donation helps us meet both of those aims.

Family First is part of the LHA-ASRA housing and regeneration group and is a leading provider of affordable housing, care and support and recycling services.

It provides accommodation for teenage parents, mental health services, and is a landlord to almost 400 homes in Nottingham.

The charity currently has a fleet of six vans which travel around Nottinghamshire collecting donations of good quality, unwanted furniture such as sofas and beds, electrical items and childrens equipment like cots and pushchairs.

Essential items are then redistributed to people in need and non-essential items are sold in the charitys two shops, in Alfred Street North, Nottingham, and Low Street, in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

Donations are always welcome. To arrange a collection of furniture call FREEPHONE 0800 013 0497.