Staff help establish community farm

Staff members from the School of Biomedical Sciences are helping to establish Scotland’s first community farm.

The Biomedical Sciences Social Club has bought shares in Whitmuir Community Farm, based 16 miles south of Edinburgh.

National resource

Whitmuir is a working organic farm spread across 140 acres of land.

The farm is home to almost 640 animals including pigs, cows, hens and sheep. A range of vegetables, salad crops and soft fruit are also grown.

With help from community shareholders, the current farm owners are hoping to turn Whitmuir into a national resource for sustainable food and farming.

Giving back

As the farm develops into a living learning space, Biomedical Sciences staff will be able to access opportunities to get involved and offer their expertise.

The School is already supporting a growing trial on the farm, advising on the experimental design.

Team building

The School of Biomedical Sciences formed its Social Club in 1999.

Ever since, the Social Club has offered staff a stream of popular activities that help foster a spirit of inclusivity and a sense of general wellbeing.