Shelthorpe Urban Farm – Growing Together
A Thriving Community Hub for Sustainable Urban Farming, Biodiversity, and Social Inclusion
The Shelthorpe Urban Farm Project
The Shelthorpe Urban Farm Project – Growing Together, founded by Barbara Attridge and located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, is a social venture committed to addressing climate change, food insecurity, and social isolation. The organization operates a sustainable community smart garden, utilizing innovative farming techniques such as aquaponics, hydroponics, and vertical farming. Through these methods, The Shelthorpe Urban Farm Project – Growing Together produces fresh, organic food while offering educational and therapeutic programs tailored to diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities.
The project fosters environmental awareness, community engagement, and self-reliance by emphasizing inclusive design and collaborative activities. The organization strives to create a lasting positive impact on the community by integrating sustainability with social and educational initiatives.
Founded by Barbara Attridge, the business stands at an excellent chance to captivate a niche in this thriving industry that is full of opportunities for growth, efficiency, and positive change.
The Shelthorpe Urban Farm is owned by The African Oasis CIC, whilst Barbara is the founder of The African Oasis CIC and the Shelthorpe Urban Farm Project, she has the support of the African Oasis CIC Directors who are equally passionate and experienced in Urban Farming Systems and Technology.
The plan is to use the Shelthorpe Urban Farm as a Prototype for other similar projects in UK, Europe and in Africa which will in turn enhance the African Oasis CIC’s position in the market
The Shelthorpe Urban Farm Project has the support and backing of Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, Loughborough University Incubator Program, Loughborough in Bloom (a member of Britain In Bloom), and The Royal Horticultural Society. The African Oasis is working with other local Community Groups, Food Banks, it has forged partnerships with some local Disability Organizations and GP Surgeries, (who will be referring patients to them under the social subscribing scheme).
The commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and sustainable business practices is what differentiates The Shelthorpe Urban Farm Project – Growing Together from the competition and helps position the business as a front-runner in the industry.
The African Oasis CIC, Directors dedication, extensive research, and planned strategic goals are set to ensure the success of the business as it navigates the competitive landscape.
Our Services
Shelthorpe Urban Farm: A Prototype for Sustainable Living 🌱
A Community Hub for Urban Farming & Biodiversity
We are creating a Prototype Urban Farm showcasing diverse sustainable farming techniques like:
- Traditional Gardening
- Hydroponics
- Aeroponics
- Aquaponics
A Sanctuary for Biodiversity
Our farm will be a haven for:
- 🦜 Birds
- 🦋 Butterflies
- 🐝 Bees
- 🪱 Worms
- 🦗 Edible Insects
Why Biodiversity Matters:
- Food Security & Sustainability – Supports global agriculture
- Job Creation – Drives new employment opportunities
- Health & Medicine – Supports medical advancements
- Mental Wellbeing – Green spaces improve quality of life
- Economic Impact – Biodiversity contributes $150 trillion+ annually
What We Grow
At Shelthorpe Urban Farm, we cultivate a diverse range of fresh and nutritious produce using sustainable urban farming techniques. Our goal is to provide healthy food while promoting biodiversity and eco-friendly agriculture.
🌱 Vegetables & Leafy Greens
- Spinach, kale, lettuce, Swiss chard
- Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
- Carrots, radishes, turnips, beets
- Peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers
🍓 Fruits & Berries
- Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries
- Apples, pears, plums, cherries
- Melons, grapes, citrus fruits
🌿 Herbs & Medicinal Plants
- Basil, mint, thyme, oregano, rosemary
- Coriander, parsley, chives, lemongrass
- Aloe vera, lavender, chamomile
Safeguarding global food security, biodiversity
It generates exciting job opportunities that keep citizens engaged while also allowing them to provide a stable living. From forestry to agriculture and even medicine, many industries rely on the wealth of plant and animal life to produce both profits and jobs.
The medical profession relies on biodiversity to develop promising new treatments. As this diminishes, so do the raw materials required for effective drug discovery and biotechnology breakthroughs.
Human Health and Wellbeing – exposure to (and engagement with) diverse habitats can have a hugely positive impact on our mental health. When we are part of a diverse and healthy ecosystem, we thrive—and when this disappears, so do our livelihoods, our health, and our quality of life.
The economic value imparted by biodiversity (in the form of water and air filtration, carbon storage, and, of course, food provisioning) totals over an annual $150 trillion—more than double the world’s GDP.