Arsonists attack beloved Kirkstall Valley Farm - but volunteers refuse to let it 'destroy' them

Kirkstall Valley Farm has launched a £10,000 appeal after a suspected arson attack destroyed a donated caravan

A much-loved community farm in Leeds has launched a fundraiser after a donated caravan was destroyed in an arson attack. The owners say it is the latest blow to the farm which has endured years of vandalism and theft.

Kirkstall Valley Farm was going to use the caravan as a mobile tea and coffee bar but it was destroyed by fire. The blaze has now prompted renewed concerns about the future of the community space.

The fire broke out on Saturday, October 17, and has been reported to West Yorkshire Police as suspected arson. The farm says there was no apparent source of ignition and the caravan was reduced to a twisted, blackened wreck.

Thankfully, nobody was injured, however, those behind the project say it could have had much more serious consequences, given the number of children, families, volunteers and community groups who use the site.

The caravan had been generously donated and was being prepared for conversion into a mobile tea and coffee bar, providing a place for visitors to gather while generating income to support the farm.

Now, the team is appealing to the public to help fund improved security measures. They say vandalism means vital resources are being used to pay for repairs, rather than on the upkeep and running of the farm.

Kirkstall Valley Development Trust, the community organisation responsible for the farm, says the fire is the latest in a worrying pattern of vandalism, theft, break-ins and criminal damage over the past two years.

Adele Rae, chief executive of Kirkstall Valley Development Trust, said at least 15 separate incidents have taken place during that period, affecting everything from children's play facilities and growing equipment to solar lighting and security cameras.

The farm has previously reported damage to Wendy houses and other equipment, theft of tools and even its solar lights being cut down. Once, a solar powered CCTV camera installed in an attempt to improve security was stolen.

Adele said staff and volunteers had repeatedly been forced to repair damage and replace equipment, taking time and money away from developing activities and facilities for the community.

She said: "This is massively worrying for everyone involved. Every hour spent repairing damage and every pound spent replacing equipment is time and money that cannot be used to develop activities and facilities for the community."

The organisation has also invested heavily in improving security. After remaining entirely off grid until spring 2026, it arranged for an electricity supply to reach the site entrance, allowing CCTV protection for the tractor shed and main polytunnels. Adele said that work alone had cost more than £10,000.

Extending the supply to the social area, where much of the vandalism has occurred, would require further significant expenditure that the organisation says it cannot afford without help.

'A lifeline for children and families'

Kirkstall Valley Farm is much more than a place to grow vegetables. The community project supplies locally grown produce to around 130 households through its community supported agriculture scheme and provides opportunities for people to volunteer, learn about food production and connect with nature.

Working with its partners, the farm delivers sessions to nearly 100 children every week. It also hosts forest school activities, holiday play schemes, community events, markets and sessions for schools, charities and wellbeing organisations.

The site is also home to the popular Leeds Community Sauna and is developing its Hidden Play Village to create further opportunities for children and families. For people living in densely populated parts of west Leeds, the farm provides access to green space, outdoor activities and opportunities to build friendships and improve wellbeing.

Adele said the farm had been built through hundreds of hours of volunteer work and the generosity of people who wanted to create something positive for their community.

She said: "We have built something that people genuinely value, and we want to extend that offer as widely as possible, repeated damage is threatening the organisation's ability to deliver those opportunities.

"This isn't a commercial development with unlimited resources. It is a community project, supported by people who give their time freely because they believe in what we're trying to achieve. When facilities are damaged or destroyed, it is local people who lose out."

£10,000 fundraiser launched to protect the farm

The trust has launched a £10,000 crowdfunding appeal to improve security and help protect the site against further damage.

The money will be used to extend the electricity supply into the social area, install more effective CCTV and security lighting, and improve perimeter fencing. The improvements are intended to deter criminal activity, protect the farm's facilities and provide a safer environment for visitors, staff and volunteers.

The organisation wants to strengthen security without losing the open and welcoming character that makes the farm special. Any money raised beyond the target will be used to make further improvements to the social area.

In a social media appeal, Kirkstall Valley Farm said: "We need your support. Following repeated vandalism and a devastating suspected arson attack this past week, we're asking for your help to protect the community we've spent the last five years building.

"Sadly, this isn't the first time Kirkstall Valley Farm has been vandalised, and we know we need to take steps to make the site more secure. If you're able to donate, thank you. If you can share our appeal, thank you."

The fundraiser has prompted an outpouring of support on social media, with local people expressing anger over the damage and praising the work carried out by staff and volunteers.

Anne Walker suggested additional security measures, commenting: "So sad. How about some guard dogs?", while Lynda Macdonald wrote: "Just evil!"

Others offered practical help, with Thomas Kearns commenting: "If there is electricity I can provide cameras" and Rosemary Atkins wrote: "I will support your tireless work for the Kirkstall community! It's only a few damaged people who carry out these acts... but they are so damaging - emotionally, financially and practically - to you. I hope you will feel very loved and supported by many local responses, and that you raise the £ you need."

Another Facebook user, Nazia Iqbal, also expressed frustration over the destruction of children's facilities, writing: "Arseholes! Why would you wreck children’s stuff? They do great things for families down there, some people are just horrible idiots."

Denise Oreilly said: "Why on earth would people do something like this? As its for the community and they do marvellous things. What a disgusting world we live in."

And Janice Bennett commented: "What kind of mindless people vandalise an area designed for children? Disgusting behaviour. So sorry for you all."

'We refuse to let repeated acts of destruction define its future'

Despite the repeated damage, the trust says it remains determined to develop the farm and expand the opportunities it provides.

Future ambitions include improving children's facilities, expanding activities, developing the social area and making the organisation more financially sustainable so that its community work can continue for years to come.

Adele said she wanted those responsible to understand the impact of their actions on the people who rely on the farm. She said: "We would much rather see people getting involved and contributing something positive to their community.

"We have spent years building something that benefits the wider community, and we are determined not to allow the actions of a small number of individuals to undermine that work."

The trust is urging people to donate to the fundraiser, share the appeal, volunteer or support activities at the farm. Local businesses able to help with electrical materials, security equipment, fencing or installation are also being encouraged to get in touch.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "We are aware of recent criminal damage incidents at the Kirkstall Valley Farm in October, including vandalism to caravans, sheds and a children’s play village between Saturday October 10 and Monday 12 October. A caravan was also reported to have been damaged by an arson attack during the early hours of 16 October.

"Officers are appealing for anyone who has information about these offences or footage of suspects entering or leaving the site to contact the Leeds West Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101 or online here at referencing crime number 13260580937.

"Information can be given anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111."

How to help Kirkstall Valley Farm

At the time of writing £3,820 had been raised towards the £10,000 target. The trust says every donation and share will help protect the facilities and opportunities the farm provides for children, families and the wider West Leeds community.

To donate, visit the Kirkstall Valley Farm crowdfunding appeal, here.

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