The Wakelyns Second Symposium


It’s now time to explore how wider ownership and the involvement of donors can bring new opportunities and secure Wakelyns’ long-term future.  Email us here if you’d like to get more information.


Wakelyns, a pioneering hub of organic agroforestry and sustainable farming, has inspired farmers, researchers, and communities for over 30 years. Now, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure its future as a community-owned beacon for regenerative agriculture, environmental stewardship, and education. We need your support to make this vision a reality.

Wakelyns: A Legacy of Innovation and Sustainability

Founded in 1994 by Ann and Martin Wolfe, Wakelyns is one of the UK’s oldest and most diverse organic agroforestry sites. Its innovative tree-lined fields and organic farming practices have inspired land managers across the UK and beyond. With agroforestry now a key component of the UK’s Carbon Budget Delivery Plan, Wakelyns continues to lead as a demonstration site for sustainable farming.

Beyond farming, Wakelyns has become a vibrant community and research hub, hosting:

  • Research and Innovation: Collaborations with universities and NGOs as a test site for PhD students and EU and UK funded research projects, exploring soil health, biodiversity, and agroecological solutions
  • Community and Education: Courses, retreats, festivals, and workshops celebrating sustainable living, biodiversity, and the arts
  • Sustainable Enterprise: Home to a variety of small-scale ‘stacked’ enterprises producing local food, renewable energy, and crafts, all rooted in the ethos of short food chains and environmental responsibility

Why Act Now?

In 2025, we face a pivotal moment. Co-owner Toby Wolfe needs to realize his share of Wakelyns. To ensure the farm’s long-term future, we are transitioning from private to community ownership by establishing the Wakelyns Charitable Community Benefit Society (CBS). This new structure will:

Enable Wakelyns to thrive as a community-owned resource for future generations.

Secure the land and buildings through an “asset lock”, ensuring they are only used in accordance with the CBS’ charitable objectives.

Ensure governance by a diverse board representing agriculture, education, conservation, and local communities.

Email us here if you’d like to get more information.