Incredible Farm (Wallsden site)

This describes the first incredible farm site at Wallsdem. The Farm has now relocated to Lumbutts (2018).

Incredible Farm is a one-acre site at the bottom of a steep sided valley near the town of Todmorden on the old Yorkshire-Lancashire border. The site is unusual in that it shows evidence of an permaculture design from the outset and it has been developed and managed with sound business practice. The main feature is an extensive polytunnel system that produces high quality vegetables and demonstrates several small-scale energy capture and management technologies.These include hot beds and a passive solar systems. The site also has many novel useful plants.

Good use is made of the site's "problem" areas - a natural wetland provides a home for ducks and geese that add to produce given by chickens and bees. There is a fruit tree nursery and 160 fruit trees have been planted.

Incredible Farm was set up to help young people learn about small scale commercial food growing and marketing skills, with an aim that they could then start and run food production businesses. The project is supported by income from produce, sales of plants and fruit trees and from training income.This has been successful, although itr is now clear that the Farm needs to expand is it is to be commercially viable.

Read more on the Incredible Farm website and visit their facebook page

This is a great site for us designers to visit, it's a firm favourite with us at The Northern School. The site team - Nick Green, Mike Smith and Milly Dominy have always made us very welcome.

Location

From Todmorden, go through Walsden and nearly out the other side (towards Rochdale). Once past the Nurseries on your left. look on your left for the pallet yard. Turn off main road then into the pallet yard, down the lane, and Turn LEFT, down the little lane towards the polytunnels. (DO NOT cross the canal)