Gloucester city centre would seem an unlikely setting for a farm. However, just around the corner from the hustle and bustle of the High Street lies St James City Farm, home to a wide variety of animals and a hugely successful horse riding school.

The farm, which lies on Albany Street in the borough of Tredworth, is run by a local charity, the Friendship Café. In charge of the day-to-day running of St James City Farm is a remarkable man who has done so much to improve the lives of inner-city children. Imran Atcha took over the running of the farm eight years ago when council cuts threatened its closure. Under his stewardship the farm and riding school has thrived, and now plays a crucial role in helping children learn about animals they wouldn’t get the chance to see were it not for St James City Farm. “I’ve been here for eight years. I live just around the corner, so I’ve only got a short walk in,” said Imran. “It’s great to be able to give children a chance to meet our animals. A lot of our visitors are from Gloucester, but we also welcome visitors from other cities. Only last month we had a bus load of school children from London visit us. Some of the children had never held a rabbit before or even seen a cow so you can imagine how excited they were,” added Imran.

One of the major success stories at St James City Farm is the riding school which Imran helped launch. Established thanks to a large grant from the Racing Foundation coupled with donations from the Gloucester Rugby charity foundation and the former Olympic dressage rider Emile Faurie’s foundation, the riding school has given inner-city children the opportunity to learn to ride. Such is the popularity of the riding school Imran has had to implement a waiting list. Continued Imran: “To give children, who usually can’t afford riding lessons, the chance to get on a horse is incredibly rewarding. As well as being a fun activity it also works wonders for children’s confidence and really helps build crucial life skills. Some of the children who came to our riding school now work in the equine industry which is great to hear.”

The farm doesn’t charge an entry fee and is fully reliant on donations from businesses and the public to continue their work. Said Imran: “Keeping animals is very expensive so we’re indebted to all the wonderful local businesses and charities who help us out. It’s not just a case of monetary donations though, for example we recently had a local fencing company come and repair one of our fences. We’re so grateful to all the donations we receive, without them it would be very hard to continue. It’s really touching when we receive donations from children who have saved up their pocket money to give to us. Our main aim is to help improve the lives of young children here in Gloucestershire and from further afield, so every donation, no matter how big or small, is always appreciated.”

A team of 60 volunteers work at the farm, ranging from retired residents who live in Gloucester to students from Hartpury College. “We’re really fortunate to have an incredible team who do so much to help here at the farm. We’re open all day from Monday to Sunday, even on Christmas day our volunteers are here feeding the animals. To give opportunities to students from local colleges is really rewarding, it’s what we’re all about really,” added Imran.

When asked about his hopes for the future Imran is steadfast in his aspirations for his beloved farm and riding school. Said Imran: “It’s hard to think too far ahead because we’re so reliant on donations to keep us going. The riding school has been a huge success, everyone who comes has a great time and gets so much out of it. It’s a privilege to be involved in such a successful venture that is doing so much to benefit the children of Gloucestershire.”