Ouseburn Farm and Gentian have renewed a sponsorship to bring much-needed funds into the charity to help maintain free entry.

Located in the vibrant Ouseburn Valley, Ouseburn Farm Charity Ltd is a working community farm and a place where local children and families can visit for free to learn about farming and growing, meet animals and explore green spaces.

As a sponsor, Gentian will invest £5,000 per year for the next three years – until December 2026 – which will be used by Ouseburn Farm to maintain free entry to the farm for visitors.

Gentian manages the retail services in many hospitals across England and Wales including three in Newcastle Gateshead and aims to support the local community where it operates.

Paul Phillips, Head of Estates at Gentian, said: “We’re pleased to continue our support of the local community in Newcastle Gateshead by renewing our sponsorship of Ouseburn Farm for another three years. We’re delighted that our donation will help the farm remain free to access for the general public.”

Ouseburn Farm gives 40,000 visitors a year the opportunity to learn about the origins of food and care for nature through engagement with farm life.

The charity also has a placement programme for adults with learning disabilities, difficulties and ASD (autistic spectrum disorder), where they can connect with nature while learning new skills in the farmyard, gardens, kitchen, café and visitor centre.

Hugh Stolliday, Ouseburn Farm manager, said: “At a time when taking your family for a day out can cost hundreds of pounds, maintaining free entry to the farm is more important than ever. Combined

with other local free attractions, like Seven Stories, the Ouseburn Valley is a great place to visit that is budget friendly.

“We are so grateful to Gentian for their renewed support, and we’re delighted that they’ve chosen to help us maintain our free entry. Running a city farm like ours costs hundreds of thousands of pounds every year, and this support is vital.”

The Farm also relies on charitable donations and receives support and investment from Tyne Housing, which provides social housing, support and access to healthcare for vulnerable people across the region.