If you ever find yourself strolling Paradise Park on a sunny spring morning, don’t be surprised to hear the bleating of sheep or the cluck of chickens carried on the wind. Tucked away in a corner of the park is Freightliners City Farm, a “little oasis” of animals and plants in the heart of Islington.
The farm offers a welcome escape for city dwellers sick of concrete. In the upcoming Easter holidays, the farm will offer a variety of free drop-in events for families and children including arts and crafts, gardening and wildlife activities, and meet-the-animal sessions.
Liz McAllister, farm manager, says: “It’s good chance to get out into fresh air, get into the countryside. Islington people are within walking distance. Pop out for a nice walk, spend a little bit of time outside, even if it’s a rainy day.”
Islington as a borough has the second lowest proportion of green space in the country compared to its population, with only 2.83 square metres per resident. Alongside our parks, the farm offers locals some green space and fresh air.
The farm keeps sheep, goats, cows, chickens, ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as gardens for visitors to wander around. As the weather improves, some of the animals will get put out in the field, though it is worth coming to see the animals even before then- many are friendly and will come out into their pens to say hello.
“It’s so nice and peaceful”
“Come and see some animals spend some time out in the spring,” she says. “Flowers are starting to come through… You can hear all the birdsong and the new life coming through. We usually have one or two new youngsters coming. Maybe some chicks.”
McAllister, who has worked on the farm for over 20 years, says the long-haired Golden Guernsey goat, Betony, is a firm favourite with visitors. “She’s an older girl. She’s been here a long time. People love her, she’s a bit soppy.”
“We love this place,” say Alison and Tom, who visit the farm more than once a week.
Tom, who is from the New Forest says: “When you live in this part of town you can get sort of isolated from nature. I’m from the countryside and living in London.”
“It is a little oasis, it’s so calming and you can tell the animals are well looked after and really happy. It’s so nice and peaceful,” says Alison.
McAllister says: “We give people a chance to get outside and to experience a bit of the countryside on their doorstep to make that contact with animals. It’s just that chance to get outdoors, get hands on with things and really engage with the world around you.”
Clare Walsh is the beat reporter for St Mary's and St James'. She is passionate about keeping locals up to date on important stories. She is a freelance journalist, and has written for publications including Varsity and Cambridge Creatives.