In Brixton, young people are rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck into hands-on, purposeful work. They’re taking part in a city farm programme for schools in London that builds skills far beyond the veg garden walls. Here, lessons of responsibility, teamwork and exploring curiosity are just as alive as anywhere in the countryside. But Jamie’s Farm Brixton sits right in the heart of London.
“I didn’t know you could experience nature like this in London” – visiting young person
Jamie’s Farm is proud to announce our new London hub at Oasis St Martin’s Village in Brixton. This exciting step allows us to continue providing young people in the city with hands-on experiences of working on a city farm, right where they live, without travelling to one of our rural locations.
“I feel like the last day of a holiday, looking out and taking in the view, trying to remember what it looks like. I really don’t want to leave this place” – Year 8 student, Holland Park School
As the site begins to grow, we are starting to welcome young people from schools and partner organisations across London to take part in these experiences.
From Waterloo to Brixton: continuing our London farm for schools
Saying goodbye to Jamie’s Farm Waterloo was the end of a significant era. For many years, it was a hub for discovery, growth and hands-on experiences for so many young people. Its achievements and wider community remain a proud part of our story.
As we move on from the Waterloo site and unique opportunities it offered, we’re immensely proud of our team members who have worked to make Jamie’s Farm Brixton a reality. Their passion has laid the foundation for an exciting new chapter. We’re full of motivation for the future, knowing that more young people in London will now have the chance to access green space and discover a sense of purpose while getting stuck into real work with tangible outcomes.
What schools can expect at Jamie’s Farm Brixton
Our Brixton site is already beginning to take shape, as young people take part in our city farm programmes for schools in London. They’re planting gardens, caring for animals and enjoying the satisfaction that comes from practical hands-on work. While our welcome barn, the central hub for the programme, is awaiting planning permission, the positive energy on site is unmistakable.
The farm provides a safe space to explore new skills, work collaboratively and for visiting young people to see the results of their efforts come to life.
At the start of the year, we welcomed our first group of young people to Jamie’s Farm Brixton for a day programme, in partnership with Football Beyond Borders and funded by UK Youth. A group of boys from Bacons College spent the day planting a cherry tree, caring for animals, and cooking together. They embraced every moment with such enthusiasm.
It was an encouraging first step for the new site, with one young person sharing, “I feel so much better being active.” A Football Beyond Borders practitioner described it as “an incredible experience… it was amazing to see them so empowered in that space.” For the Brixton team, it was motivating to see the core elements of the Jamie’s Farm programme having a meaningful impact, even in a new and evolving environment.
Luke Rosier, Head of Farm, reflects:
“It’s so exciting to be developing a new, permanent home for Jamie’s Farm in London, taking with us all our learning from Oasis Farm Waterloo – as well as a barn, plants, chickens and guinea pigs! – and applying them to a new setting. We’ve loved already working with young people to build compost bays, raised beds and to plant trees. The pride and satisfaction we’ve seen from students helping shape the garden space for years to come, getting active and learning new skills, has been a joy to share.
It’s also fantastic to be a part of the wider Oasis St Martin’s Village. Collaboration has already begun with Oasis Nurture based on site, introducing the students they’re supporting weekly to the therapeutic benefits of working alongside our animals and growing food. The Village offers networks and resources which will allow Jamie’s Farm Brixton to connect with a fantastic array of different people and organisations over the coming years.”
Working with schools & charities at Oasis St Martin’s Village
Being part of Oasis St Martins Village gives Jamie’s Farm a unique opportunity to work alongside other charities in a supportive, community-focused environment. This co-location allows organisations to share knowledge, collaborate on ideas, and create a richer, more holistic experience for young people.
Steve Chalk, CEO of Oasis, reflects on the partnership:
“The long and trusted partnership between Jamie’s Farm and Oasis, forged in Waterloo, is rooted in our shared belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, not simply to survive.
“Now, the development of the new and larger farm at Oasis St Martin’s Village in Tulse Hill creates the exciting opportunity for us to build on our experience to do even more.
“Together we are creating a space for children most at risk of being left behind, to build self-belief, and unlock their potential; a safe haven in the midst of South London offering the one thing too many of those we serve have either never had or been robbed of — hope.”
Jamie’s Farm CEO, Jake Curtis, adds:
“We at Jamie’s Farm are delighted to announce our arrival at Oasis St Martin’s Village. Ever since Steve Chalke shared the vision behind the village, the concept has really resonated with us. As he says, it takes a village to raise a child. Being able to join such a broad range of impressive organisations, all based in one hub, to offer the community around Brixton and Tulse Hill wraparound care that allows young people to thrive is incredibly exciting for us.
This move will enable us to retain our presence in London and continue serving schools just around the corner from where they are based. It will also ensure that Jamie’s Farm stays relevant and responsive to the lives and experiences of the young people we exist to support.
We’re looking forward to learning from the other organisations based at the village. We’re already proud of the therapeutic, purposeful sessions we are running on site, even before the full development has taken place. We’re excited to work alongside Steve, Oasis and other partners to demonstrate that this kind of provision is what young people need, and what every community deserves.
We also believe that every village needs a thriving Farm, to nourish, support and provide purposeful work.”
A new London hub for school visits and youth programmes
Jamie’s Farm has a long history in London, and Brixton is the next chapter in that journey. The lessons we learned from our time at Waterloo inform every part of this new venture, ensuring that our programmes remain meaningful, relevant, and impactful for the young people we serve.
Over time, Jamie’s Farm Brixton will become a fully operational hub. It will provide a wide range of experiences and opportunities for young people across London. By embedding ourselves in a collaborative community of charities, we are able to expand our impact, reach more young people, and provide the support they need to thrive.
This is a pivotal moment for Jamie’s Farm and for the young people whose lives we touch. With Brixton, we are laying the foundation for a long-term, sustainable, and transformative presence in the city, offering hands-on farm experiences for students.
Be part of Jamie’s Farm Brixton
Jamie’s Farm Brixton is growing, and we’re excited to welcome young people from schools, alternative provision settings, and youth organisations across London to take part in city farm programmes for schools in London, experiencing hands-on learning, teamwork, and outdoor activity in the heart of the city.
Whether it’s a day visit or part of a longer programme, students will have the chance to work with animals, plant gardens, cook together, and see the results of their efforts come to life.
If you’d like to bring a group to Brixton, collaborate on a programme, or simply find out more about what we offer, we’d love to hear from you.
