Wavemaker UK Swaps Media Plans for Dirty Hands with Church Farm Ardeley Project

Last week, Wavemaker UK sent over 600 people to Church Farm Ardeley in Hertfordshire, initiating a three-year partnership that matches ideals with actions. The farm, which provides training and work experience for people with learning disabilities and/or mental health issues, worked with Wavemaker to identify key priorities to help them help others.

3,000 people hours, 40 tasks and one day later, the framework for a healthier eco-system was in place at the farm: wheelchair access was built to the hen houses, meaning more co-farmers can help in collecting eggs. Meanwhile, a new bee colony was housed, ensuring better pollination for the multitude of crops that were sewn.

Unlike so many isolated CSR spectaculars though, the day is just the beginning of the impact Wavemaker want to make. The company has set in motion the WM Hive Project, a 3-year legacy which commits over 10,000 working hours to the farm in the next 12 months alone, the equivalent of a full-time employee for 7.5 years. Employees will help grow and harvest produce and provide 40,000 meals for those in need via The Passage to homeless shelters in London and Manchester.

Paul Hutchison, CEO, Wavemaker said of the project: “Care, create and grow are the key values of Wavemaker. Our commitment to the farm reflects these values and we are determined that the partnership will continue to flourish over the years; giving disadvantaged people new opportunities, helping our natural environment and producing some delicious, natural food that can help those less fortunate.”

Tim Waygood, founder and MD Church Farm Ardeley Community Interest Company added: “Wavemaker UK are making a hugely positive impact on us. From the start they listened and engaged with us to create a partnership that is going to make a difference to our team, our co-farmers and our produce. It’s unusual to get such a long-term commitment from a corporate partner, and their help in preparing for the future will ensure this corner of Hertfordshire will remain a beacon of cooperation and sustainable farming for a long time.”