An innovative new project to use
public land to grow food for local use has been given the go
ahead.
Richmondshire District Council is working with
Richmond based community group, TRY – Growing Food Together,
to develop the public landshare scheme.
Around 12 council plots in the market town are
being developed - including a tiny herb tub outside a pizza
takeaway, a derelict orchard on the historic Batts, and flowerbeds
in the Friary Gardens. The project aims to maintain existing
planting where possible but to interplant it with fruit, vegetables
and herbs in keeping with the character of the plots.
Bees, insects and birds will be encouraged to
avoid the need for pesticides.
"Everyone needs to know where our food comes from and how it
is produced,” said Sally Reckert (pictured) from TRY.
“Through this scheme we aim to give people the
confidence to grow food themselves. Would-be gardeners benefit from
the experience; the Council benefits from having some of its
land maintained at no cost; and local community centres
benefit from sharing the produce in exchange for next
year's seeds.”
And Gary Hudson, The District Council’s Head
of Open Spaces added: “This community project will develop the
knowledge and understanding of the local community of how food is
grown, which will hopefully empower residents to take ownership of
the local environment.
“Richmondshire District Council is working
closely with TRY to maintain areas of public open space within the
district and to develop and enhance the wildlife and biodiversity
potential of these areas, and grow fruit and vegetables for
community use.
To find out more, contact sally@transitionrichmond.org
or 01748 822640
July 19, 2011
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