'We'll be heartbroken' if city farm closes

The boss of a charity city farm has said she would be "heartbroken" if attempts to keep it going fail.

Rice Lane City Farm in Walton, Liverpool, is facing bankruptcy and permanent closure.

The farm, which was opened in 1979, has been trying to raise funds and needs £6,000 a month to keep going.

Jamie Dowling, the farm's chair of trustees, said: "It is not looking good. I think we are going to have to close in a few months."

Situated on a 21-acre site adjacent to Walton cemetery, the charity provides community activities including youth groups, playschemes and arts workshops, according to the Charities Commision.

Dowling told the BBC: "I would be heartbroken if we closed. I really want to keep it going but I'm not confident we can do it.

"We need £30,000 in the bank to keep going. It's a very difficult time."

The farm has sheep, goats, donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs among its menagerie of animals.

The charity's gross annual income for 2024/25 plummeted to just over £10,000 forcing it to rely on its cash reserves while the cut in its government grants has heaped extra pressure on finances.

The farm needs funds for maintenance and repair work which includes barns, fencing and equipment.

It also needs to maintain its animal shelters as well as buy feed for the animals.

A GoFundMe appeal has so far raised more than £7,500.

Dowling said: "We need more donations and grants.

"We get some feeds from some supermarkets but we just desperately want to keep the place open."

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