A south London farm is in danger of closing after a power system failure earlier this year.

Deen City Farm, based in Merton, has launched an urgent fundraising appeal to ensure it can keep its gates open.

Deen City Farm offers work experience placements, volunteering opportunities, runs programmes and activities for schools, hosts a health and wellbeing programme, sessions for SEN groups, and delivers low-cost riding lessons.

It also welcomes more than 130,000 visitors a year who enjoy the patch of countryside within south London.  

At the beginning of 2024, Deen City, which is both a farm and a charity, suffered a major power system failure, restricting the number of visitors and leading to a five-figure repair bill.

Thanks to generous donations at the time, repair work was started and the farm was fully reopened. 

However, as well as the rising costs of fixing the problem, additional costs came about to keep the farm open.

That, and the rising costs of keeping the charity running has put the farm in danger of closure.  

If it isn't able to raise enough money soon, the farm might have to close down and stop helping the Merton community.

However, the charity's JustGiving page shows that the original £50,000 target has already been eclipsed, with nearly £52,000 already raised.

Matt Linden, Chair of the Board of Trustees said: “During these challenging times of financial uncertainty, our resilience as an organisation has never been more critical.

“The financial situation is perilous, despite the best efforts of our staff, partners and volunteers but we are navigating through this period with a clear focus on a sustainable model for the future.

“Financial support, however, now is vital to save the farm for the future. 

“We are talking openly about our financial position to the people who matter to us the most; the people that use us, value us, support us.

“We do not want to see another inner-city community space that is free to access for families and educational purposes close down

“Sadly, we know our situation is not unique.

“Many charities are struggling in the current challenging environment, but we hope supporters can recognise the value Deen City Farm brings to south London and donate today to help us stay open.”

People can donate to Deen City Farm through its JustGiving page at justgiving.com/campaign/helpkeepdeencityfarmopen