Staff at the borough's city farm fear rare pigs, horses and a barn owl called Edna may become homeless as the council continues to hunt for £32m of savings across the borough.

Wimbledon Times:

Tom Hogan and Edna the barn owl 

Volunteers and staff at Deen City Farm are planning to set up a petition to save the 36-year-old community farm in Colliers Wood which sees thousands of visitors of all ages every year.

They are waiting to hear how much funding will be slashed from their budget by Merton Council, but fear the farm could face a dire future if it loses this vital financial life-line.

Wimbledon Times:

What are you looking at? 

The council said it has given them a £93,000 grant this year and continues to support the farm’s business plan.

Almost a quarter of its funding, 23 per cent, comes from the council every year - a total of £121,000.

But this could be slashed over a three year period if plans are approved.

The amount has been steady for 10 years although operations manager Simon Lynn said running costs had soared to £586,000 a year.

Wimbledon Times:

Simon Lynn with one of the farm's sheep 

Mr Lynn said: "The cost of things like animal feed, insurance, water, heating and lighting has soared over the years.

"We raise money through riding lessons, working with schools and donations but there is a shortfall."

Mr Lynn said there was a long list of repairs which urgently needed carrying out, including repairs to fencing, garden maintenance and replacing the surface of the riding school but it is already strapped for cash and work has had to be put on hold.

Wimbledon Times:

Even this cute guinea pig is under threat 

If the farm’s income is cut, it would have to reduce the number of animals it has, and the number of supported volunteers, many of whom have learning difficulties and relish the time they spend helping out in Windsor Avenue, Wimbledon.

Mr Lynn said: "We would potentially have to close for several days of the week.

"At the moment we are open six days a week and are closed to the public on Mondays - because we have college students with special educational needs who come to train in animal care.

"If this happens we would have to stop that.

"We would have to cut back on educational events and activities.

"Worst case scenario is that the farm has to close.

"We hope that won’t happen.

"People are worried though."

Wimbledon Times:

Volunteer Emmanuel Henshaw, 13.

Mr Lynn added he was grateful for the support from the council over the years.

The farm is trying to become sustainable so it would not need to rely so heavily on outside funding.

The livestock manager is hoping to raise £600 to buy a second hand trailer to transport animals including sheep, goats and alpacas to events. This would save the team money on moving animals to and from events.

Wimbledon Times:

Merton Council’s cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, Councillor Andrew Judge, said: "Deen City Farm is a great organisation and we’re helping them with another grant of £93,000 this year, exactly the same as last year.

"Our FutureMerton team has also provided the farm with support to develop their business plan, helping to boost their income opportunities and make them financially stronger.

"As well as this, we have given them additional funding over the past three years to undertake some specific and time-limited business development projects which have now been completed."

To donate to the Deen City Farm, visit the justgiving page on https://www.justgiving.com/dcfarm.

Did you know? 

Last year the farm hosted 43 work experience placements from more than 25 schools and colleges

It is a registered charity

Named after its original site in the former Aberdeen Road, Wimbledon

Moved to Windsor Avenue in 1994

Hosted 200 birthday parties last year

Offered 188 hours over 47 days of animal handling experiences for visitors

It manages breeding and rearing of pigs and sheep sent to an abattoir to provide meat to sell in farm shop

Has over 100 volunteers who work in riding stables, cafe, gardens and on education

Offers many children their first encounter with some animals