Wakelyns, a pioneering agroforestry farm in Suffolk, has been rescued from the threat of sale after the local community raised £1.2 million to purchase it. The farm, known for its innovative integration of trees and crops, will now be run as a community-owned enterprise, ensuring its continued role as a research and education hub.
Community Rally Saves Wakelyns
The campaign to save Wakelyns was launched after the owners announced plans to sell the 22-hectare farm in 2025. A community share offer raised the necessary funds within six months, with over 800 people investing amounts ranging from £100 to £20,000. The buyout was completed in June 2026, according to a spokesperson for the Wakelyns Community Benefit Society.
“This is a huge victory for community-led agriculture and for the agroforestry movement,” said the spokesperson. “Wakelyns has been a beacon of sustainable farming for decades, and now it will continue to inspire and educate for generations to come.”
A Model of Agroforestry
Founded in 1994 by the late Martin Wolfe, Wakelyns is one of the UK’s longest-running agroforestry projects. The farm integrates rows of fruit and nut trees with arable crops and livestock, creating a diverse and resilient ecosystem. Research conducted at the site has demonstrated that agroforestry can increase biodiversity, improve soil health, and sequester carbon while maintaining crop yields.
The farm has also been a training ground for farmers and students, hosting workshops and courses on sustainable land management. Under community ownership, these activities are expected to expand, with plans to develop a new education centre and research programme.
Securing the Future
The community buyout ensures that Wakelyns will remain a working farm and a centre for agroforestry innovation. The new owners have pledged to maintain the farm’s research focus, while also increasing public access and engagement. A portion of the land will be set aside for community food growing, and a new orchard of heritage fruit varieties will be planted.
The success of the campaign has been hailed as a model for other farms facing similar threats. According to the Soil Association, agroforestry is gaining traction in the UK, with the area under such systems increasing by 30% in the past five years. However, many farms still face financial pressures that make them vulnerable to sale or conversion to less sustainable uses.
Broader Implications
The Wakelyns buyout comes amid growing interest in community ownership of land and assets. In Suffolk alone, several other farms have been taken over by community groups in recent years, reflecting a wider trend towards local control of food systems. The government has also announced new funding for agroforestry projects, recognising their potential to meet climate and biodiversity goals.
“Wakelyns is proof that communities can take charge of their own food and farming futures,” said a representative from the Land Workers’ Alliance. “We hope this inspires other groups to explore community ownership as a way to protect sustainable farms.”
