For Immediate Release - 17 March 2025

Crowdfunder campaign to save local Dorset pub goes viral on TikTok generating huge support from the US.

19 March 2025

The Friends of the Elm Tree Inn’s viral TikTok has helped their fundraising campaigns raise over £450,000 to return the pub to community ownership. With over 2 million views, the online videos showcase village residents using Gen Z slang, captivating a global audience.

Friends of the Elm Tree Inn, Langton Herring, Dorset

The Crowdfunder campaign set out to raise £300,000 of the £650,000 needed to restore the Elm Tree Inn in Langton Herring, Dorset. Donations have been pouring in, particularly from the US, where the campaign has received overwhelming support. With the success of the viral videos and a strong online presence, local and international supporters are eager to secure the future of this historic village pub.

It’s been quite overwhelming seeing our tiny village get so much love and support from people who live so far away. It goes to show that although there is a lot of division in the world right now, there are so many core values we all share.

Sarah de Warren, Friends of the Elm Tree

The Elm Tree Inn has long been a staple of life in Langton Herring, in Dorset. Plans for its future include creating a cosy pub with wood-burning stoves, a welcoming garden, and a gathering place for walkers, cyclists, and families. The success of the campaign highlights the power of community, both local and international, in preserving the spirit of British pubs for future generations.

Projects like the Friends of the Elm Tree Inn show just how impactful crowdfunding can be when a community comes together. It’s inspiring to see such a small village spark global support, proving that digital platforms can unite people from all over the world to preserve something truly special."

Simon Deverell, Founder & Co-CEO of Crowdfunder UK.

As part of the campaign, anyone can either make a donation to their Crowdfunder page or buy community shares in The Elm Tree Inn via their Crowdfunder Community Shares page for £1 each, with a minimum investment of £200, gaining voting rights in the pub’s future. The organisers are confident that local and public support will ensure its long-term success, with 95% of community owned pubs thriving after five years.

View their Tiktok video

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For further information, please contact our Press Contact: Eve Gregg
eve.gregg@crowdfunder.co.uk

Notes to editors
1. Crowdfunder.co.uk is the UK’s leading crowdfunding platform, helping individuals, charities, and businesses raise funds to make their projects happen. By combining advanced technology with a commitment to social impact, Crowdfunder connects ideas that matter with people who care.
2. 60% of donations for the Friends of the Elm Tree Inn Crowdfunder donations page came from the US.
3. For any further information, to arrange an interview or obtain photographs, please contact eve.gregg@crowdfunder.co.uk.