Bunch Of Fives: Katie Bates (Ouseburn Farm)

Ouseburn Farm turns 50 next year, marking half a century of a space that’s shaped the valley as much as the valley has shaped it. What began in 1976 as a small, community‑led project — a place where local families wanted their kids to learn, explore and feel part of something real — has grown into one of Newcastle’s most loved institutions. The farm has shifted and expanded over the decades, but its purpose has stayed steady: connection, care, and the belief that a farm like this doesn’t just grow food — it grows people.

Today it’s a working care farm supporting adults with learning disabilities, difficulties and autism, while remaining a vital green space for children, families and anyone who needs a breather from the city. Sitting beside two of the country’s most deprived neighbourhoods, it offers something increasingly rare: somewhere inclusive, grounding and genuinely community‑owned.

As the Ouseburn continues to change, the farm is spending 2026 looking back at its roots and celebrating its impact with a year of events, heritage projects and storytelling. They’re also gathering people’s memories — from school trips to summer days to the moments that made the farm part of their lives — and inviting anyone with a story to share it at [email protected]. Alongside that, a new Crowdfunder aims to raise £50k for 50 years, helping secure the farm’s future for the next generation (donate to that here).

Farm manager Katie Bates gives us her top five reasons why she loves Ouseburn Farm…

1. The Animals
Every farm has animals, but ours are true characters – over the years, some have become local, even national celebrities. The first Geordie Highland calf, Morag, was born at the farm in 1983, Suzie the psychic pig made headlines by correctly predicting England’s Euro 2020 results, Robbie the goat is renowned for his headbutting skills, Willow the cow once escaped her pen and spent the evening wandering around the yard, and Beavis the parrot is such a favourite that visitors have had his image tattooed and turned his shed feathers into jewellery.
I love these stories, but my favourite moments happen every day – being greeted by the noise of sheep as I head from Byker to Ouseburn, walking a stubborn Willow out to the field at the amazement of passers by, watching a chick slowly hatch from its shell, noticing everything grow. They are small moments, but frequent, countless and full of joy.

2. The Placements
Since 2012, the farm has supported people with Learning Disabilities through a huge range of workshops. We support around 60 people every year – when I started in 2024, they all made me feel so welcome and have been keeping things interesting ever since. On any given day, I might see groups mucking out animal pens, admire artwork from the art and craft sessions, listen to singing from the music room, or be lucky enough to sample something made in the cooking class.
My most memorable times include wearing matching Halloween outfits with Peter, braving zipwires on our annual activity trip, and celebrating goals scored by the football team. My favourite moments, though, are when people pop into the office to proudly tell me what they’ve done that day.

We say the farm is for growing. More than anywhere else, I see that here.

3. The Volunteers
Ouseburn Farm wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of kind people offering their valuable time for free. Hundreds of people volunteer with us each year, helping with a countless range of tasks. I’m always astounded by the number of hours they contribute, but I also feel incredibly lucky to spend time with them.

Gemma laughs when talking about her mishaps with the animals, Janine collected her volunteer expenses and bought us a new accessible wheelbarrow, Richard organises exhibitions celebrating our art groups progress, Leanne helped us get funding for new recycling bins, Assan keeps our composting well kept and ready for more, Chloe motivates kids on our weekly farming day, Jen helps to keep our shop in tip top condition…. I could keep going, but I’d be here all day. I’m incredibly thankful for them all.

4. The Nature
Our unsung hero, the gardens and green spaces, are constantly changing and offer a strange paradox: a calm oasis that is also a busy working farm. We grow all sorts here – food for cooking, produce to sell, plants for wildlife, and flowers for people to enjoy. Staff, volunteers and participants play a part, and the result is something we’re all really proud of.
I spend a lot of my time in meetings or at my desk, so I enjoy having an excuse to wander around the gardens. One week there are daffodils everywhere; the next there’s fruit on the trees, vegetables ready to harvest, or bees making the most of the sunshine. I never get bored of noticing what’s changed since the last time I looked.

My favourite moments are usually the small ones – spotting a ladybird on a leaf, hearing families enjoying the willow den, or wandering around out of hours and having a quiet moment before heading back inside.
The farm is always changing, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the gardens.

5. The Visitors
From the calm of the gardens during closed hours to the bustle of our busiest times, the farm welcomes over 40,000 visitors a year. Whether it’s Ouseburn Festival, Harvest Festival, our Winter Light Up event, or just your regular day – it’s always a joy to see the farm full of people.

I love seeing children become obsessed with Willow or full of joy at the sight of a newly hatched duckling, hearing people spot the tortoise hanging out with the guinea pigs from the office window, or watching couples coo over the animals.
What pleases me most is how much people care. People remember animals from years back, celebrate our new arrivals, and bring friends and family back to show off their favourite parts of the farm. It’s a comforting reminder that Ouseburn Farm is here for everyone, and vice versa.