We are delighted to announce an enhanced insurance offering for Social Farms & Gardens (SF&G) members, designed to better support the incredible organisations that bring communities together through farming, gardening, and green-space initiatives.
Social farms and gardens deliver immense social, environmental and economic value, offering therapeutic, educational and community benefits across the UK. As the preferred insurance partner for SF&G, we’re proud to help these projects thrive safely and sustainably.
What are social farms & gardens?
Social farms and gardens are community-driven spaces where growing, farming, and social purpose come together. They can take many forms, from community gardens where residents and volunteers grow food and plants, to care farms offering therapeutic or supported activities for people with mental health needs or learning disabilities, to urban and city farms providing educational and environmental experiences for schools and local communities*.
These unique spaces connect people to nature, promote well-being and sustainability, and strengthen local relationships. Whether large or small, each project plays a vital role in improving lives and fostering a sense of belonging.
Why do they matter?
The impact of social farms and gardens extends far beyond the growing of crops or the care of animals. They improve physical and mental health by offering hands-on outdoor activities, and they help to build community by bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together. They also play a crucial role in education, teaching practical skills in horticulture, animal care, and sustainability.
Many of these projects adopt environmentally responsible practices, reducing food miles and boosting biodiversity in their areas. McClarrons recognises the enormous contribution these organisations make, and we are proud to play a part in helping them succeed.
Understanding the risks
Running a social farm or garden brings unique risks and requirements: the combination of public access/visitors, volunteers and staff (including possibly vulnerable groups), use of tools or machinery, animals, land/property, events, and growing/grazing activities. Organisations should consider the types of insurance that can help manage these risks and protect people, property, and income
Available cover may include public and volunteer liability insurance to protect visitors and participants, employers’ liability insurance for staff and volunteers, property and equipment. For organisations with property or equipment, cover can include protection for assets such as greenhouses, tools, and machinery. In addition, business interruption insurance can help maintain income and financial stability should operations be disrupted.
To understand the cover breakdown you may require, we have a quick questionnaire available on our Social Farms & Gardens Insurance webpage. Each organisation is unique, and its insurance should reflect that.
Our enhanced offering for SF&G members
As part of our partnership with Social Farms & Gardens, McClarrons offers members access to specialist advice from an experienced team. We provide preferential rates available only to SF&G members, along with complimentary policy reviews to help ensure organisations have appropriate protection for their activities.
For your policy, we work with trusted insurer Ansvar, who have a deep understanding of the not-for-profit and community sectors. This ensures that our clients receive cover built on expertise, credibility, and a true understanding of the environment in which they operate.
Our dedicated in-house claims team provides expert, empathetic support, ensuring that members receive guidance from professionals who understand the nuances of the sector. This allows SF&G members to focus on what matters most: growing, engaging, and supporting their communities.
To explore more details of our insurance offering for Social Farms & Gardens members, you can view our brochure here.
Supporting best practice and safety
To make the most of your insurance and risk management, it’s important to take a proactive approach. Reviewing your activities and assets regularly ensures your cover keeps pace with your evolving operations. Keeping an up-to-date record of tools, machinery, and facilities helps to identify potential risks and maintain accurate insurance information.
Providing thorough inductions for volunteers and visitors ensures that everyone understands safety procedures and site rules. Regular risk assessments, covering areas such as animal welfare, visitor access, and equipment use, help prevent incidents before they occur. Embedding a culture of safety and awareness throughout your organisation not only strengthens your insurance protection but also helps create a safe, welcoming environment for all.
Why choose McClarrons?
At McClarrons, we’re proud of our long-standing partnership with Social Farms & Gardens and of the trust placed in us by care farming and community-growing organisations across the UK. Our expertise in this specialist area means we understand the challenges and opportunities you face, allowing us to provide practical, tailored solutions.
From initial advice and policy design to responsive claims support, our team is here to provide guidance. We believe that strong insurance and sound risk management enable organisations to focus on what truly matters – creating thriving, inclusive spaces that benefit their communities and the environment.
Helping you grow with confidence
Social farms and gardens are vital spaces that nurture connection, growth, and well-being. McClarrons is proud to help these organisations operate with confidence, supported by comprehensive, sector-specific insurance.
If you are a Social Farms & Gardens member, our dedicated team are here to answer any queries you may have or to provide a complimentary insurance review to help ensure you are fully protected – you can contact them on 01653 600477 or at care@mcclarroninsurance.com to learn more about your enhanced insurance benefits or to arrange your policy review.
* https://www.farmgarden.org.uk/projects
Updated: April 2026
