Southampton City Farm has been nominated for two awards, receiving both regional and national attention.

The farm, which sits on a five-acre site in Millbrook and is home to more than 50 rehomed, rescued, and lifelong animals including pigs, ducks, and chickens, could be set to scoop two awards.

The charity has been nominated at the nationally recognised National Star Awards in the ‘Rescue Organisation of the Year’ category.

The farm is also one of five finalists nominated for a Muddy Stiletto Award, which could see the farm be crowned winner of the ‘Best Family Experience’ across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Farm manager Tom Kitcher told the Echo the team of around 60 volunteers had “worked their socks off” and were “extremely proud” to be nominated for both awards.

Tom said: “We’re extremely proud, I’ve seen first-hand the difference the farm has on the community on a daily basis.

Tom Kitcher, farm manager at Southampton City Farm (Image: Supplied) “After the Covid-19 pandemic our work tripled with quite a lot of young people coming in for mental wellbeing support.

“We’ve had to meet demand with the group sessions we have in the week – with the farm being open to the public on weekends – it’s been very hands on but very rewarding. You can see the impact the animals have on people and equally the impact people have on the animals.”

READ MORE: Hundreds pay tribute to beloved Southampton City Farm pig

Southampton City Farm first opened in 1994 and features a barn, garden, pond, and woodland area for both animals and people to enjoy.

“We spend a lot of our time educating the community on animal care,” said Tom.

“It would be really uplifting to win one of the awards and we’re extremely grateful to be nominated.

“It’s great that we get to spend so much time with people who are looking to be active and spend time in nature.

“One of our main aims is to be accessible and inclusive, welcoming as many different people as we can from all over Southampton and beyond.”