Ikigai Farm Limited — Community Benefit Society

Growing
Community
Resilience

We're a community-rooted society on the Norfolk–Suffolk border — farming the land, running our village pub, and building a future where everyone belongs.

Our Name, Our Philosophy

What is Ikigai?

Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning your reason for being — a life of purpose, passion, and fulfilment. At iFarm, our ikigai is building a community that thrives.

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What you love

We love our community, our land, and the connections between people and nature.

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What you're good at

Regenerative farming, community organising, sustainable food production and rural revival.

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What the world needs

Connection, access to fresh food, combating loneliness, and environmental stewardship.

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What sustains us

A community benefit model — reinvesting every penny back into the land and the people.

Born from community,
for the community

iFarm (Ikigai Farm Limited) is a Community Benefit Society operating on the borders of Norfolk and Suffolk, in and around Blo Norton, Thelnetham, Hopton and Coney Weston.

We came together in 2019 as a group of friends asking how we could reduce social isolation and loneliness in rural communities. In 2021 we purchased 10.5 acres of horticultural land at Blo Norton, committing to sustainable farming practices that prioritise biodiversity, soil health, and local food production.

In 2024, backed by a £298,800 Community Ownership Fund grant and over £60,000 raised by local shareholders, we purchased the freehold of The White Horse pub in Thelnetham — a community hub at the heart of everything we do.

We're not for private profit. Our asset lock ensures that everything we build remains protected for future generations.

Join the Movement
10.5

Acres of farmland at Blo Norton, Norfolk

2019

Founded by a group of friends with a shared vision

£358k

Raised to secure The White Horse pub freehold

40%

Of our land being rewilded for biodiversity

What We Do

Our Activities

From the soil to the supper table, our work spans farming, education, culture, and community — all rooted in regenerative values.

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Community Agriculture

Organic and permaculture-led market gardening, aquaponics, and community-supported agriculture providing fresh, locally grown food.

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Education & Training

Workshops on growing, cooking, renewable energy, green building, sustainable technology and environmental stewardship — open to all.

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Culture & Events

Theatre, poetry, music, dance, farmers' markets, folk nights — celebrating local heritage and bringing people together.

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Retreats & Glamping

Immersive stays on the farm for wellbeing retreats, corporate groups, and community gatherings in a restorative natural setting.

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Rewilding

Up to 40% of our land is being restored for biodiversity, supporting the local ecology of the Blo Norton and Thelnetham Fenlands.

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Wellbeing & Social Prescribing

Tackling rural loneliness through inclusive activities, communal meals, Meet-Up Mondays, and connections across all generations.

Community Hub

The White Horse,
Thelnetham

🏆 CAMRA Mid Anglia Runner-Up 2025  ·  ✅ Cask Marque Accredited

A pub is the beating heart of any community. When The White Horse faced closure, our community rallied together to save it. Now owned and run by iFarm, it's far more than a pub — it's a living hub for local food, real ales, cultural events, and genuine connection.

We serve a fine selection of local ales and ciders alongside our weekly food vendors every Friday, and Sunday Roasts. Our doors are open to everyone — from longtime locals to first-time visitors.

Regular Events

Meet-Up Mondays — Free tea, coffee & cake. A welcoming space to beat rural loneliness, every Monday (except bank holidays).

Friday Food Vendors — A rotating selection of local cuisine from guest food traders.

Open Mic & Folk Nights — Live music celebrating the local arts scene.

Seasonal Events — Maypole celebrations, farmers' markets, community gatherings & more.

📍 The White Horse, Hopton Road, Thelnetham, IP22 1JN
Follow us on Facebook  |  WhatsApp Marc to Volunteer

Opening Hours

Monday12:00 – 10:00 pm
Tuesday12:00 – 10:00 pm
WednesdayClosed
Thursday12:00 – 10:00 pm
Friday12:00 – 11:00 pm
Saturday12:00 – 11:00 pm
Sunday12:00 – 10:00 pm

Volunteer With Us

Join our wonderful team of volunteers. Even a 2–3 hour shift makes a real difference — behind the bar, in the kitchen, or at events. No experience needed, just enthusiasm!

💬 Message Marc on WhatsApp
Our Purpose

Why We Exist

An epidemic of loneliness is sweeping rural Britain. We choose to face this crisis together — through shared land, shared meals, shared purpose. That's what iFarm is for.

Combat Loneliness

Creating inclusive spaces where every generation can connect, contribute and belong.

Regenerate the Land

Restorative, biodiversity-first farming that respects and renews the soil and ecology.

Grow Local Food

Affordable, fresh, organically grown food for local people — not for distant markets.

Protect the Commons

Our asset lock ensures everything stays in community hands — forever, for everyone.

Get Involved

Become a Shareholder

iFarm is not-for-private-profit. When you invest in our society, you're investing in your community — in the land, the pub, the people.

Members include nurses, architects, teachers, farmers, artists, engineers, brewers, carers and more. Everyone is welcome. Every voice counts.

Minimum investment from just £50

Join Our Society →

Find Us

We'd love to hear from you — whether you want to volunteer, invest, farm with us, or just come and have a pint.

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Registered OfficeThe White Horse Public House, Hopton Road, Thelnetham, Suffolk, IP22 1JN
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Websiteifarm.org.uk
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RegistrationCommunity Benefit Society No. 8304, regulated by the FCA
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Farm LocationFen Road, Blo Norton, IP22 2QJ