Bill Quay Community Farm is a place where people of all ages can learn about farm life.
Hainingwood Terrace
Bill Quay
NE10 0UE
Tel: 0191 433 5780
Fax: 0191 433 5784
Email: billquayfarm@gateshead.gov.uk|
Open 9am to 5pm every day (some areas have restricted access until 12 noon).
Farming for the fun of it
Bill Quay Community Farm opened in 1986 and is a partnership between the Bill Quay Community Farm Association| and Gateshead Council. Together, our farm team has transformed this 25-acre site into a thriving community leisure project.
Much of the work to restore the natural heritage to one of the greenest banks on Tyneside, has been achieved by volunteers.
Our animals
Bill Quay is a Rare Breed Survival Trust| -approved conservation farm park.
The farm's Longhorn cattle and flying flock of Hebridean sheep tour Gateshead's nature reserves to improve these sites for wildlife, and are regular attendees at local community festivals. They also compete with the best at national shows - Ruby, the Tamworth pig, won Female Champion at the Royal Show in 2005 and Great Yorkshire Show 2010. The Jacob Sheep won the Alwinton Cup at the Border Shepherd Show 2011.
A jewel in the Gateshead landscape
Over time the landscape has been transformed back to its pre–industrial condition through the re-establishment of woodlands, grasslands, wetlands and hedgerows. Sensitive maintenance is applied to the habitats that support a diverse medley of flora and fauna. The wildlife area was awarded Green Pennant in 2007 by the Civic Trust.
As the site has matured, estate management has focused on the use of traditional skills, crafts and training initiatives. The farm is now accredited by Natural England as a Country Park and Local Nature Reserve|.
Schools and education
Bill Quay Community Farm works with local and regional schools, colleges and universities to provide work experience and training placements for students.
The Farm is accredited through DEFRA's Access to Farms and DfE's Learning Outside the Classroom schemes, and is a quality and safe destination for learning.
"The way you made a dream come to life really inspired me to work harder to achieve my dreams. I could stay at the farm all day and look at the view, it is beautiful and so peaceful. This is the number one farm to me", Annmarie Heslop, East Durham and Houghall Community College student.
"I would like to express the college's appreciation for the continued support it receives in the process of training and educating people for the land-based sector", Trevor Suckling, Northumberland College at Kirkley Hall.
Green Flag award
The farm has held Green Flag status since 2008. In 2011, it came fourth in the People's Choice award of all Green Flag award-winning parks and received a Special Innovation Award for its work to improve access.
"An outstanding community facility that seems to understand the community it is placed in and punches well above its weight", Green Flag Judge 2011/12, Adam Greenwold.
Inspiring local artists
The farm and its location with panoramic views of the Tyne have inspired many creative collaborations, and there are striking and original artworks everywhere.
Local food connection cafe and farm shop
The farm's local food connection cafe offers local and fair trade refreshments in a gallery setting, along with information on environmental issues, renewable technology, freedom food and healthy eating.
Health and wellbeing
Outdoors, visitors and volunteers can be fit and active by exploring the farm and surrounding area along one of our walks and trails. There are organised farm task days, too, where you can join in, learn new skills, keep fit and make friends.
The farm also has a dedicated arts and activity space that is home to the Farmyard Arts Studio.
"It was good to have the opportunity to see first hand the role the Farm has played in improving the quality of life for people in Gateshead", Baroness Andrews OBE.