Ouseburn Farm celebrates 50 years of growing people in the heart of Newcastle

Tucked into the Ouseburn valley, a short walk from the Quayside, there is a farmyard where goats, sheep and pigs live alongside vegetable beds and beehives. Ouseburn Farm is one of Newcastle's best-loved community spaces, and in 2026 it is celebrating 50 years.

The farm's story began in 1976, when parents from Byker took over a plot of land on the site. They wanted their children to have access to nature, to grow their own food and to look after animals. What started as a small, community-led project has grown into a registered charity and working city farm that welcomes more than 40,000 visitors a year, and entry is still free for everyone.

At the heart of its work today is care farming. During term time, the farm runs a placement programme for adults with learning disabilities, difficulties and autism, with workshops in the farmyard, gardens, kitchen and visitor centre. The results speak for themselves: 95 per cent of placements say their ability to make new friends has improved, and 93 per cent say they feel more included and less alone. An independent social impact report in 2023 found that every £1 invested in the programme creates £11.65 in social value.

The farm's care farming programme has been awarded the Green Care Quality Mark by Social Farms and Gardens, and 92 per cent of carers and parents agree that the farm helps break down barriers between the public and people with learning disabilities.

None of this would be possible without volunteers. In 2024 alone, 377 people volunteered at the farm, helping with everything from animal care to gardening. As the team puts it: "A farm like this doesn't just grow food, it grows people."

Throughout its anniversary year, the farm is running heritage projects sharing stories from its past, events and exhibitions celebrating the community, and a 50k for 50 Years crowdfunder to secure its future. Staff are also collecting memories from visitors, volunteers and participants, because for many local families the farm has been part of their story for generations.

Visitors can drop in from 10am to 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday during term time, with weekend activities such as Farmers' Club and Caring for Critters. Details of the anniversary, events and how to donate are on the Ouseburn Farm website.