Hartcliffe City Farm is a community-led urban farm and green space in Bristol that provides a welcoming environment for local residents, schools, and families. The site offers hands-on learning in horticulture, animal care, and environmental sustainability, alongside wellbeing activities, volunteering opportunities, and community events.

It plays a key role in supporting education, improving mental health and wellbeing, and bringing people together through accessible outdoor experiences and skills-based programmes.

Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) is delivering the construction of a new outdoor timber shelter within the grounds of Hartcliffe City Farm. The project will be completed alongside young people, mentors, and volunteers as part of a structured, on-site skills training programme.

VIY will:

Construct a durable timber-framed shelter to create a functional, weather-protected outdoor space.
Install integrated seating/work areas to support group activities and workshops.
Build complementary timber planters to enhance the garden environment and support horticultural use.
Deliver accredited construction training, enabling young people to gain practical skills and work towards recognised qualifications (e.g. City & Guilds).
The project combines community improvement with hands-on learning, giving participants real experience in carpentry and construction while creating a valuable asset for the farm.

The project at Hartcliffe City Farm will create a high-quality, functional outdoor space that can be used all year round, significantly increasing the farm’s capacity to deliver activities regardless of weather conditions.

Key impacts include:

Increased community use: The new timber shelter will provide a dedicated space for workshops, group sessions, and events, enabling more consistent engagement with local residents, schools, and visitors.
Enhanced learning environment: The addition of seating and work areas will support structured educational activities in horticulture, sustainability, and outdoor skills.
Improved wellbeing: Access to a safe, welcoming outdoor space will encourage participation in activities that promote mental health, social interaction, and physical wellbeing.
Skills development for young people: Through the VIY programme, participants will gain hands-on construction experience, build confidence, and work towards recognised accreditations, improving their employability.
Long-term community asset: The durable timber structure and planters will provide lasting value, supporting the farm’s ongoing programmes and strengthening its role as a key community hub.
Overall, the project leaves both a physical legacy on site and a personal legacy for the young people involved.