Woodhouse Farm and Garden CIC in Fisherwick Wood has won a prestigious Rural Community Business Award for its outstanding work, commitment and passion in supporting it’s local community. Woodhouse Farm and Garden CIC was one of eight UK award winners and received its accolade Community Food and Local Supply in recognition as being one of the UK’s most inspiring community-owned businesses. 

Held annually by the Plunkett Foundation, the Rural Community Business Awards recognise those businesses that help to create thriving and inclusive rural towns and villages. Whether a shop, farm, bakery, woodland or pub – their services help tackle issues of isolation, loneliness, access to essential goods, provide jobs and training, help the environment and improve the wellbeing of all. This year’s Awards are supported by North Barnes Farm in partnership with Welbeck Land and Eton College.

 Woodhouse Farm and Garden CIC were presented their award at a ceremony on Thursday 17 November 2022 hosted by TV presenter and auctioneer Charlie Ross and by award sponsor [sponsor name]. They receive both a trophy and an award of £250.

Annamarie Stone From Woodhouse Farm and Garden “it was my pleasure to attend the awards accompanied by my husband Andrew and volunteers Alison and John Caladine who are great supporters of the project. It was heart-warming and motivating  to see the other projects and be recognised for the work we do  ”

James Alcock, Chief Executive of Plunkett Foundation, said “Community businesses across the UK put their communities first, they help transform the lives of the vulnerable and provide a thriving future for many isolated rural towns and villages. These worthy winners have worked selflessly to improve the wellbeing of everyone in their local community and we are incredibly proud to recognise, and to have supported, their work.” 

The importance and benefits of community-owned businesses are recognised and supported by our event sponsors. Headline sponsors of the awards North Barnes Farm in partnership with Welbeck Land and Eton College are joined by award sponsors Abri, Adnams; Allied Westminster; Anthony Collins; the Co-op; Power To Change, Suma Wholefoods and Thakeham.

Community businesses are businesses that are owned and run by their community for their communities, their primary purpose is to provide vital services on which people depend, such as access to food and essential goods, cash and postal services, health-related services and social meeting spaces. The awards celebrate the unique contributions these community businesses make creating resilient, thriving and inclusive rural communities.