New Dalston Farm Shop on Hunt for Volunteers

A unique farm shop has launched in a disused shop in the heart of Dalston.

Something & Son have created FARM:shop, a concept that puts farming at the centre of the city.

Working in partnership with Hackney council, they have transformed 20 Dalston Lane, a disused shop, into a farm.

Both inside and outside of the shop have been used t ogrow as much food as possible, including salad, herbs and vegetables. There are also ‘catch your own’ fish ponds, laying hens on the roof, weaners and veg in the garden.

The organisers say: "FARM:Shop visitors will be introduced to the innovation, fun and promise of old and new urban farming techniques. It will be a living breathing statement about how we could be feeding our cities."

The shop has been open to the public since last week, but they are currently looking for volunteers with the hopes of opening at the end of September as a centre where visitors can learn about farming, buy fresh produce and get refreshments.

Talks, workshops, film showings, visits to real farms, and community activities will be scheduled on selected days and evenings.

FARM:Shop is just a few metres from the new Dalston Junction Underground station and they hare hoping to open in September.  

Something and Son's Paul Smyth told the Hackney Gazette: "I think it's a lovely idea of being able to come along to see some of the more wacky ways of urban farming, as well as doing it yourself at the same time.

"It is also about restoring part of Hackney and bringing old buildings back into use."

To find out more about FARM:shop or become a volunteer go to http://farmlondon.weebly.com or email helpout@somethingandson.com.