GOATS, guinea pigs and a pony named Moses are taking up residence at Dublin city’s first urban farm, which has opened in St Anne’s Park.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Nial Ring, was on hand yesterday to officially open the Raheny farm, which is free to visit and open five days a week.

The initiative is run by volunteers from the local community, on a non-profit basis, who manage and care for the animals, which include two pigs named Will and Ash, nine chickens, three goats, a guinea pig and Moses the pony.

The ethos of St Anne’s City Farm is not to be a “petting farm” but a place where people can learn first-hand about animal husbandry, growing food, cooking food, sustainable living and reconnecting with nature.

The farm follows in the footsteps of community farms in London, like Hackney City Farm and Spitalfields City Farm.

Leslie Moore, head of parks services at Dublin City Council, hoped the urban farm could be a model for other projects in the city.

“We believe that every child and grown-up should have access to a garden and that everyone in the garden is equal. By providing a safe and open space for people to share what they know and learn from others, we strive to empower people through knowledge and creating,” said Marion Kelly, from St Anne’s City Farm.

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