Council Funding Boosts Burscough Community Farm CIC

Burscough Community Farm CIC has been awarded £27,168, combining funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), to support its vital programmes and infrastructure development. 

Burscough Community Farm CIC offers activities such as nature-based arts and crafts, growing and consuming healthy food, and walking and observing nature, all of which promote stress reduction, environmental connection, and mental clarity.  

These activities help people socialise, learn new skills, and improve their health. The funding will improve the farm's facilities, making it easier for more people to join and volunteer. 

Burscough Community Farm has implemented poly-tunnels and other essential facilities that will enable the farm to provide better teaching in agriculture, fostering resilience and independence through food growing. 

Councillor Melissa Parlour, lead member for Economic Regeneration and Green Growth said:  "We are thrilled to see the impact of this council funding on Burscough Community Farm CIC.  

"This investment not only supports the farm's growth and sustainability but also enriches our community by providing valuable educational and health benefits. We look forward to supporting the farm's continued success and its positive ripple effect throughout West Lancashire." 

Co-founder and Director of Burscough Community Farm CIC, Neil Hickson added: “This funding has transformed us from a small-scale volunteer project with limited impact into a more professional organisation that can effectively serve our community.  

“With improved infrastructure and the ability to provide transport to and from the farm, we have expanded our reach and can now benefit many more people in the West Lancashire community.” 

The funding will help the farm to reach new heights in its mission to support and educate the community on important issues related to agriculture, health, and the environment. 

A total of 25 community projects will receive funding to empower our communities, supporting the Borough’s key priorities and delivering services and facilities for residents across West Lancashire with funding coming from the Council’s £1.2 million Communities and Place investment, and £344,410.50 investment from the Community Infrastructure Levy. When combined, this represents among the largest ever investments in community projects in West Lancashire by the borough council.