Case study

£5.6 million to support development of Acorn Farm

£5.6 million from the Levelling Up Fund is set to support the development of Acorn Farm, an urban growing space in St Columb’s Park, Derry/Londonderry.

Artist’s impression of the aerial view of the proposed Acorn Farm site when completed

Sandra Duffy, Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, said:

Acorn Farm is an exciting project that will see the regeneration of a disused site into an urban food growing space with a new gate lodge, enhanced car parking and wider environmental improvements.

The focus of the farm is to develop a high-quality, urban food growing hub, a Green Skills learning academy, a sustainable food event venue and an impressive visitor destination. I look forward to seeing this fantastic project grow.

Robert Shearman, of The Conservation Volunteers, said:

Acorn Farm will be an amazing facility, helping to educate the population of Derry City & Strabane District Council about growing food sustainably. However, it will also be a big attraction to visitors and tourists from across Northern Ireland and further afield.

The Conservation Volunteers are proud to be a partner in the Acorn Farm Project and supporting 1000 households to grow vegetables at home over the next 5 years. This work will have a big positive impact on mitigating climate change and many other benefits, including people’s health, skills, and happiness.

Acorn farm will help create a brighter future for the people of Derry City and Strabane. Its legacy will be:

  • demonstrating how to grow food in a sustainable way
  • teaching people about food

Find out more about levelling up.

Published 17 January 2023