Woodlands Farm Trust
History
The original 122-acre Woodlands Farm was developed in the early 19th century, and was later managed by the Baldock family. In 1919, it was purchased by the Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society (RACS), later becoming a 'model' pig farm, and, briefly during World War II, a prisoner-of-war camp. In the 1980s, the farm was threatened by Greater London Council plans to build a major road, the East London River Crossing, through the farmland and nearby ancient forest in Oxleas Wood. Local opposition highlighted the issue across Europe and thwarted the plans, and the farmland became protected in 1997 after the Co-operative Group leased the site to the newly formed Woodlands Farm Trust on a 999-year lease at a peppercorn rent.
The farm is located on the east side of Shooter's Hill (on the north side of the A207 road), and is part of a protected stretch of green and wooded spaces between Eltham, Plumstead and Welling in southeast London. It is adjacent to the London Olympic legacy Greenwich Equestrian Skills Centre, managed by Hadlow College.
The community farm is focused on conservation, sustainable farming and education. It holds farm shows throughout the year and has an education centre hosting visits from schools and other groups.