A COMMUNITY farm has launched a Christmas bid to get a new polytunnel in which it can grow more vegetables.

Lauriston Farm in Goldhanger is a social farming business which works alongside people with learning disabilities to grow vegetables, raise cattle and sheep, and look after wildlife.

The farm is hoping to ‘crowdfund’ £8,000 before the end of the year to install a new polytunnel to increase its vegetable yield to supply co-op members and nearby villages.

So far, they have raised more than £1,500 and have applied for 50 per cent match funding from Power to Change which means they only have to raise a total of £4,000 if their bid is to be successful.

A spokesman said: “Almost all our produce is sold locally through a box scheme, local markets and our farm shop, but we also supply Farm Direct in London every week.

“This year, the weekly vegetable van stopped coming and the village shop closed more than ten years ago.

“A group of people have asked us if we can supply vegetables to the village which we would love to do, but we need to expand our production a little to do it.

“Fundamental to this is the need for a second polytunnel to grow more spring crops for a longer period.

“This will free up the existing tunnel to concentrate on summer crops and extend their season too. This also means a greater supply from both cropping seasons and the opportunity to grow more biodynamic seed for the Seed Co-operative.

“We are offering 5 per cent of your pledge as a voucher for farm produce and in addition you will be kept up to date with farm news so maybe you’d like to come along on one of our open days.”

The farm hopes to have the tunnel in place by March and is appealing for support to make it a reality. They hope to have the project fully funded by Sunday, December 29.

For more details, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/lauriston farm.