A much-loved Nottingham city farm has received a cash boost following sharp rises in its operating costs.

Stonebridge City Farm in St Ann's was named as the recipient of March’s charity donation by Colwick based The Wilkins Group in its ‘year of giving’ campaign.

The packaging firm's 12-month campaign is championing a different Nottinghamshire charity each month during 2025 and making donations to lessen the impact of the current challenging economic climate.

This week, Stonebridge City Farm received a cheque for £1,000, after staff at The Wilkins Group heard its plea for help.

Stonebridge City Farm was established in 1980 as an urban farm dedicated to offering training, education and diverse volunteering opportunities particularly for individuals facing mental health challenges or learning disabilities.

Justin Wilkins, joint managing director at The Wilkins Group, which makes food packaging for many of the UK's leading brands, said:

“We know times are hard for so many people and organisations across the country at the moment. Stonebridge City Farm gives so much joy to visitors but its financial struggles due to the sharp rise in costs is heartbreaking."

“We hope that our donation will help support the farm and its 200 plus volunteers so that it can continue to bring a little piece of the countryside to city residents.”

The Wilkins Group announced its ‘year of giving' campaign in December. It kick-started the initiative with an innovative calendar and desk tidy that was sent to its customers.

Each month, the calendar highlights a different Nottinghamshire charity, outlining its work and why The Wilkins Group would be donating towards each cause. Charities that have already benefited from support include Green’s Windmill, in Sneinton, and Papplewick Pumping Station, in Ravenshead.

Justin said:

“The idea of our ‘year of giving’ calendar and campaign has been a huge success. Our clients have loved it. While we may be a global brand, we are immensely proud of our Nottingham roots and want to support local attractions and charities to grow and flourish."

Peter Armitage, CEO of Stonebridge City Farm, said:

“It is amazing to see a successful Nottingham based business supporting our cause. I would like to express a huge thank you to The Wilkins Group. Donations like this one help us going forward at a time when it is so hard to raise money and much-needed funds.”

The not-for-profit organisation launched a JustGiving Winter Appeal with a target of £30,000 to help with rising costs and maintenance.

While 2024 was a record year for the centre, with around 100,000 visitors and the support of 300 volunteers, it was also a record year for rising costs.

Justin said:

"The work being done by Stonebridge City Farm and its volunteers is simply inspiring. To be able to support such a fabulous facility in our hometown, one that has been enjoyed by many of our team and their children and grandchildren, has been tremendous."

“The farm is just 10-minutes' drive away from our Colwick headquarters. It is a fantastic use of green space in the city as well as a tremendously diverse education and volunteering space.”

The Wilkins Group is dedicated to improving its local community spaces and mitigating the environmental impact of industry. Creating packaging designs and innovations that aim to reduce and ultimately eradicate single-use plastics within the industry, it is already leading the way in alternatives including board trays for food packaging, including the use of compostable materials, and 100 per cent plastic-free hangers.

The Wilkins Group is a family run firm that produces food packaging for the likes of Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods and Cadbury.

It also is credited with producing bespoke and award-winning items such as eco-friendly coat hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles.