4 min readBased in the heart of Bedminster, Windmill Hill City Farm has been a fixture of the area for decades. In fact, this beloved community space is celebrating its 50th anniversary this September!
In honour of this fantastic achievement, we would like to share the inspiring story of how this little farm came to be.
Join in with celebrations for Imbolc on 1 February, and their 50th Big Birthday Bash on 19 September.
Humble beginnings
Walking around the farm’s lush gardens or sitting in the bustling cafe, it’s hard to believe that the site was once nothing more than derelict wasteland. But during World War Two, Bedminster and in particular Windmill Hill were bombed, and the area subsequently underwent a period of steady urban decay. Many houses and shops were demolished, land was left derelict, and communities disappeared, with residents born in the area forced to move away.
In 1976, a group of local residents decided they wanted to put the abandoned wasteland, which sat in the middle of their neighbourhood, to better use. During a public meeting, it was decided that the land would be turned into a community farm for everyone to use.
Image - The site of the city farm before renovation
Lobbying for wildlife
However, it wasn’t all plain sailing. Bristol City Council were set to use the land as a high-security lorry park. Residents knew a lorry park would do absolutely nothing for their community and would badly impact whatever wildlife was left.
After months of lobbying, they persuaded the Council to let them organise a two-day event on the derelict land. They wanted to gauge public interest in a working farm as an alternative.
Image - Volunteers clearing the site for Windmill Hill City Farm in 1976
Volunteers and local residents worked hard to prove that the long tradition of community spirit in the area had not been lost. Over 1500 people took part in the Farm’s ‘taster’ event in September 1976 and impressed the Council – Windmill Hill City Farm was on its way.
Image - 'Taster' event at Windmill Hill City Farm in 1976
Starting with the basics
Fast forward to 1977, and a group of hardworking volunteers have put in hours of hard labour in order to clear the site, establish a farmyard and renovate a derelict building. This building is now the farm’s reception building! By 1979, a small working farm had been set up, including the farm’s first residents, a pony and donkey named Willum and Eeyore!
It was during this time that the farm received an Urban Aid grant. This grant allowed the farm to employ a full-time farmer, a workshop organiser and an administrator.
Image - The derelict building, which is now home to Windmill Hill City Farm's reception building
Catering to children
Anyone who visits the farm with their kids won’t be surprised that the farm has always had local children at its core. From its earliest days, it has provided a range of inclusive activities and facilities for all ages and abilities. As soon as the Farm opened, local people responded to a lack of children’s facilities in the area by renovating the upper floor of the main building and running a drop-in play scheme and creche.
The Rumpus Room, a very retro softplay, was built and equipped in 1983 thanks to the generous support of local businesses and individuals. Next, the Adventure Playground opened in 1984 and proved a very popular attraction.
Together with the outdoor adventure area, garden and sandpit, the Farm provides a safe and creative place for young children, as well as a social meeting place for their parents and carers.
Image - Windmill Hill City Farm today
Here’s to 50 more years!
Now in 2026, Windmill Hill City Farm continues to grow and evolve. The farm now has a popular children’s nursery, a farm shop, an award-winning cafe, a boutique theatre, an on-site sauna and a migrant-run cookery school, which joined the farm in 2025.
Image - The Orchard Sauna at Windmill Hill City Farm
However, no matter how much the farm changes, one thing stays the same. This community space will also strive to meet the needs of the local people and to be a safe place for residents to come to experience nature.
If you would like to celebrate the farm’s 50th anniversary, they will be holding the 50th Big Birthday Bash on 19 September 2026. Expect music, food, workshops and entertainment.
Find out more on Windmill Hill City Farm's website.
Image - The monthly Windmill Hill Market at Windmill Hill City Farm
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