Community chicken project aims to combine tree planting and ethical farming

A sustainable farming project on the Shropshire and Powys border is calling on local residents and businesses to support its plans to create a new poultry “Forest Garden” combining tree planting with high-welfare farming.

The Happy Hens & Healthy Soil project has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its Community Supported Chickens initiative, which aims to show how broadleaf woodland creation and pasture-raised poultry farming can work together to produce local food, improve biodiversity and support animal welfare.

Esther of Forest Garden Farm learning about pasture raised hen systems at Regenerative Farm, Henbant. | Picture: Esther Cooper-Wood

placeholder image — Esther of Forest Garden Farm learning about pasture raised hen systems at Regenerative Farm, Henbant. | Picture: Esther Cooper-Wood

The project is hoping to establish the first dedicated poultry Forest Garden loop on the Marches border, with supporters able to contribute through a range of sponsorship options.

Local residents and businesses can sponsor a tree for £15, helping to create shade and canopy cover for free-ranging hens while supporting carbon capture and wildlife habitats.

A £25 contribution offers supporters an ethical egg share, with vouchers available for boxes of pasture-raised eggs once the hens are fully settled into their rotational routine.

A great example of egg laying hens enjoying grass, trees and fresh air- Henbant Farm. | Picture: Esther Cooper-Wood

Other options include becoming a founding member of the Community Supported Chicken model by sponsoring one of the project’s 50 foundation hens. Supporters can name their chicken, receive a personalised digital sponsorship certificate, egg shares and updates about their bird’s life on pasture.

Larger sponsorship packages are also available, including opportunities for businesses to support tree planting, receive recognition and take part in community or staff team-building activities focused on nature-friendly farming.

Forest Garden Farm- Pasture raised eggs | Picture: Esther Cooper-Wood

The project team said the support would help transform the site into a thriving forest garden while creating a model that benefits local food production, wildlife and the environment.

The Kickstarter campaign closes at midnight on Thursday, July 30, and organisers are urging anyone interested in supporting the project to get involved before the deadline: kickstarter.com/projects/669127422/csc-community-supported-chickens/description