Invest to protect our landscape for future generations

Stockwood Community Benefit Society, owners of the pioneering biodynamic Rush Farm and business park in Worcestershire, today launched a community share offer to protect and preserve the landscape for future generations.

The diversified farm encompasses organic animal farming of Hereford cattle and Lleyn sheep, renewable energy projects, a business park and an education centre.

Rush Farm has a rich legacy.   BBC Radio 4’s farming series, The Archers – the world’s longest -running radio soap opera was written and recorded at Rush Farm in the early 1950s.

To date, Stockwood has raised over £1 million from 300 investors from two share offers and now hopes to achieve £500,000.

Sustainable investment opportunity

The demand for ethical investments is growing. A recent survey from Triodos Bank revealed that two thirds (64%) of investors would like their money to support companies which are profitable and at the same time make a positive contribution to society and the environment.

For anyone looking to invest ethically, Stockwood CBS is a fantastic option. With a minimum investment of £100 and an annual return of 5%, you can invest knowing that your money will protect the environment and support the local community.

Wildlife thrives alongside a productive biodynamic farm, rural employment is secured in an area that improves wellbeing, renewable energy is generated, and an education centre teaches children and farming apprentices about how to farm sustainably.

New farming model to safeguard the future of farming

Stockwood not only gives people the chance to invest ethically, it is also offering up its business model for others to replicate.

Small farms are disappearing. With a lack of government support, many farmers are being forced to sell or looking to diversify.

Sebastian Parsons, founder and chief executive of Stockwood CBS, has developed and proven a business model that he believes could offer a viable solution.

“We have an interesting problem with farming in Britain because the return you can get from the land itself is out of proportion with the return you can get from farming it.

“Small-scale family farms that provide employment in rural areas are being forced out of existence. The land is worth so much that someone in the next generation will often want to sell.

“If you own the land, you can sell it to the community and then those who want the cash can have it and those who want the farming lifestyle can have that. The investors provide support, including as customers.”

Greenhouse has worked with Stockwood for many years, supporting previous share offers and sharing stories via social media. We were delighted to secure an in-depth feature in The Times earlier this week, as well as coverage on BBC Hereford and Worcester, Farming UK and the Redditch Standard.

If you would like to invest, please visit www.stockwoodcbs.org