THERE'S a Christmas fayre with a difference at Rush Farm, Stockwood, near Inkberrow on Sunday, December 6.

To celebrate World Soil Day, along with the host of festive favourites, like reindeer, mince pies and mulled wine, the farm is selling community shares. offering the public a share in the farm for a minimum investment of £100.

The showcase biodynamic farm is raising funds to add the remaining 35 acres of the farm’s land in private ownership to its 150 acres, and to install solar panels and ground source heat pumps at its business park.

Sebastian Parsons, who used to own Rush Farm with his sisters and is now chief executive of Stockwood Community Benefit Society, explained: “We transferred the farm we love into community ownership to preserve it as a showcase of biodynamic farming forever. Our investors are joint owners and we welcome the chance to show them the impact their money is making when we open our doors for lambing days, summer fetes and other events.”

The Christmas fayre will give the public the opportunity to have a look at what the festive farm has to offer, with the chance to meet Father Christmas, join in with the Reindeer Parade and light up the Christmas tree. There will also be a Christmas marquee where guests can indulge in mince pies, mulled wine and visit the festive stalls.

Stockwood CBS, a registered charity, acquired the farm and its business park in June 2014 after raising more than £700,000 in shares and loans from 146 investors. Mr Parsons said the business park is home to companies employing more than 200 people, generating £200,000 a year in rents, and is run on sustainable and ethical principles. The combination makes it the UK’s only community-owned farm paying shareholders a financial return.