We would like to say a huge thank you to Dandara Living, who have supported the latest improvements at Windmill Hill City Farm.
The initiative centred on upgrading the farm’s cattle shelter, now a more comfortable and accessible home for resident cattle, Tavi and Haze.
As part of our commitment to making a positive impact in the communities where they work, the Dandara Living team provided hands-on support in constructing new concrete hardstands, carrying out essential groundworks, and extending the existing wooden shelter. These upgrades offer greater comfort and improved access for the animals, enhancing the facility’s durability throughout the seasons.
In addition, they have also constructed a new shelter for the farm’s goats, backing directly onto the cattle shelter. This vital addition increases available space and ensures all animals have safe, secure, and purpose-built environments. The resident pigs have benefited too, with works making their wallow more secure and better suited to their needs.
Dandara Living have also supplied an automatic water drinker and a hay rack. The drinker, now connected to the mains, means staff no longer need to manually refill buckets each day. The hay rack holds a large quantity of hay and straw, replacing the need for daily refilling of multiple hay nets. These upgrades free up time for staff and volunteers to focus on enrichment activities, helping to foster more meaningful connections between people and animals.
“The new equipment and expanded shelter have made a big difference,” said Isabel Kearney, Fundraising Manager at Windmill Hill City Farm. “The cattle now have much more space in the winter, and the new equipment means our staff and volunteers can spend more time on enrichment activities for the animals, like brushing Tavi and Haze and foraging particular plants for them to eat. This helps to build more meaningful connections between people and animals, increasing their therapeutic effect.”
A new cattle crush, donated by Dandara Living and Vattenfall, was installed to support the care and management of the animals.
“We’re delighted to support Windmill Hill City Farm, a place that plays such an important role in the community,” said Zoe Sharpe, Senior Development Manager at Dandara Living. “Seeing the positive changes for Tavi, Haze, and their fellow residents is incredibly rewarding.”
About Dandara:
Part of the Dandara Group, Dandara Living is a leading specialist in the design, delivery, and management of homes in the UK’s build-to-rent sector. With 5,000 multifamily, single-family and PBSA units/beds currently under management and sites secured to bring forward a further 8,000 apartments and student beds across the UK.
To learn more visit www.dandaraliving.com.
