AMELIA Trust Farm has announced it will be introducing a pilot asking for a small financial contribution from visitors to the farm at weekends and school holidays to help it cover its costs. 

For 27 years the farm has been helping vulnerable people, as well as providing generations of parents with a green space to visit with their children. 

The registered charity, based on the Five Mile Lane, receives no statutory funding and relies on grants and donations to run the farm and carry out the vital work they do with young people in South Wales.

It costs more than £8,000 a week to run the farm and deliver their projects.

The farm has said that if everyone contributes when entering the farm on their visit, they will be well on their way to raising the £40,000 target they have set for this year to maintain and develop it. 

Karen Turnbull the Farm Director has stated: “In the current economic climate, it is very difficult to sustain the upkeep of a 160 acres site. 

“We have more than 20 different species of animals to feed and look after as well as supporting many different projects for vulnerable people throughout the year.

“The work we do is vital to a cross section of young people in South Wales who feel excluded from society. With our help, 84 per cent of these young people move on to further education, training or employment after spending time on placement at the farm.” 

The pilot started on Good Friday with a modest entrance charge of £2 per adult and £1.50 per child over 2 years or £5 for a family ticket ( two adults and up to three children).

Also, on offer will be a Friend of the Farm membership deal for regular customers.

For £5 per month Friends of the Farm members will receive a family ticket for free entry throughout the year including special events, a five per cent discount off children’s party packages and a free monthly newsletter to keep up to date on what is happening at the farm. 

A farm spokesman said: “Amelia Trust Farm has a long and successful history of supporting vulnerable people from South Wales.

“We are hoping that this initiative will help raise valuable income to keep the Farm open to all our wonderful and loyal visitors and of course ensure they are able to develop and continue this valuable work.”

To find out more visit www.ameliatrust.org.uk or search for #HelpGrowAmeliaFarm on Twitter