In the heart of Cricklewood, a group of passionate locals embarked on a remarkable journey in 2013. Faced with the imminent threat of demolition looming over the historic Clitterhouse Farm buildings, four individuals united to save them from disappearing into the shadows of a proposed regeneration project.
The birth of "Our Yard at Clitterhouse Farm" marked the beginning of an arduous yet rewarding venture. Through tireless campaigning and outreach efforts, the community succeeded in safeguarding the farm buildings - which now stand proudly as one of the area's last remaining heritage assets.
In 2016, a new chapter unfolded as the team adopted an overlooked patch of land on the farm's southern side. With a dedicated squad of volunteers, they rolled up their sleeves and invested countless hours into revitalising the space, battling decades of neglect, fly-tipping, and rampant overgrowth. The result? A vibrant garden adorned with raised beds for vegetables, a herb garden, perennial borders and wildflower beds designed to attract pollinators.
Financial support became imperative for the ongoing restoration of the farm buildings and in 2018, a crowdfunding campaign was launched. A staggering £100,000 was raised, with the Mayor of London's crowdfund for London playing a pivotal role. Clitterhouse Farm earned the distinction of receiving the highest number of pledges in any London campaign, and the Mayor himself pledged an unprecedented £50,000, propelling the community's vision to new heights.
The original barn, now partly transformed into a warm and inviting community cafe, alongside three individual workspaces, has witnessed the revival of an abandoned structure into a sustainable social hub. But the journey isn’t over yet…
Clitterhouse Farm was one of the 17 projects funded by the North London Community Fund in 2023/24. This helped with composting and fermenting workshops for the local community, which enhanced the already packed programme - including weekly volunteer sessions, arts and crafts workshops, children's outdoor activities, music events, fine dining experiences and night markets.
The farm has become a vibrant tapestry of community engagement and stands as a testament to what collective determination and shared passion can achieve.
For more information, visit: https://www.ouryard.org/
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Published
29 February 2024
