The resulting rich, high quality humus produces a broad array of produce in several fertile gardens. Local daycares, public school classes, community groups and neighbours frequent this slice of rural life in urban setting. Other visitors, who often volunteer during the busy season, include mentally and physically challenged, and otherwise disadvantaged youths. Winstanley feels strongly that the gardening work, contact with animals and relaxed atmosphere are therapeutic in an otherwise fast-paced city. Not surprisingly, Winstanley and other volunteers must work very hard, taking a proactive approach, to meet city by-laws and maintain positive neighbourhood relations.
Land tenure is even more of a concern.
The land is currently rented, and as the owner moves to sell The Farm for development, Winstanley is scrambling to raise funds to save the property. If it is sold for development, Winstanley says that The Farm will remain, though in a different location. As with the above two examples, LifeCycles is a model for success in the partnerships it has cultivated through each of its many projects. With the intention of encouraging awareness, respect and connectedness for food, health and urban sustainability, LifeCycles collaborates with a wide array of poverty, youth, religious, and community groups, farmers, every level of government, local gardeners, and even overseas organizations. Last summer, LifeCycles volunteers initiated the Sharing Backyards program, in which garden-less people are linked with compatible neighbours willing to share their land.