Brandon Trust has signed a lease agreement with South Gloucestershire Council for the Trust to take on the running of Grimsbury Farm from 1 August 2026, securing the future of this much-valued community asset.
Grimsbury Farm remains an important open space, supporting community wellbeing, education and providing a welcoming place for people to enjoy and connect with nature. The agreement, which will see the facility continue to operate as a farm, follows a thorough process to explore sustainable options for the farm’s long-term future.
In its current form, the farm is not financially sustainable, with operating costs significantly exceeding income. This required the council to look at alternative delivery models that can secure the farm’s future while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.
The council is grateful to residents, community groups and stakeholders who took the time to share their views and help shape the process.
Brandon Trust, a charity that supports people with learning disabilities and autistic people, was selected following a thorough assessment of proposals and engagement with potential partners, recognising its experience, local presence and existing involvement at the site. The organisation already operates the café at Grimsbury Farm, providing work experience and employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities, and has an established understanding of the farm and its role within the local community.
The council and Brandon Trust have been working closely together to support the transition of the farm’s operations from 1 August and put arrangements in place for its long-term success.
Councillor Alison Evans, Cabinet Member for cost of living, equalities and public health, said: “This is really exciting news. Grimsbury Farm is much-loved by residents and visitors, and we know how important it is to Kingswood. We are delighted to have completed the lease agreement with Brandon Trust, securing a sustainable future for the farm. We’ve been working with Brandon Trust to ensure that Grimsbury Farm will be even better in the future, with much needed investment to improve facilities and the general offering of the farm.
“Brandon Trust already has a strong presence on the site and an excellent track record of supporting people with learning disabilities. Their commitment to inclusion and ensuring the farm remains a community asset, with the opportunity for visitors to enjoy nature, a variety of animals and great day out makes them well placed to build on everything that makes Grimsbury Farm special.
“I would like to thank everyone who took part in the process and helped us reach this important milestone. This isn’t the end for public engagement on the farm and I will continue to listen to residents and help facilitate their involvement with this hugely important community space. We look forward to seeing Grimsbury Farm continue to thrive under Brandon Trust’s stewardship.”
Chief Executive of Brandon Trust, Helen England, said: “Grimsbury Farm is a much-loved part of the local community, and we are proud that South Gloucestershire Council has entrusted Brandon Trust with its future. We know how much this special place means to local people, and our commitment is to protect what makes the farm so valued while creating even more opportunities for people to enjoy it.
“We want Grimsbury Farm to be a place where everyone feels welcome – a place to connect with nature, learn new skills, spend time with family and friends, and be part of the community. By working closely with local people, volunteers and partner organisations, we will build on the farm’s strong foundations and help it thrive, while creating meaningful opportunities for autistic people and people with learning disabilities.”
A video of Councillor Alison Evans welcoming the announcement is available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0i9y_Oi23M
Further updates will be shared by Brandon Trust as it begins operating Grimsbury Farm from 1 August.
FAQs are available here https://www.brandontrust.org/what-we-do/enterprises-and-supported-employment/grimsbury-farm/#faqs
