Growing Local is delighted to have been awarded additional funding to support our upcoming growing-themed workshops.
The Scottish government-backed fund, provided by the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) ‘Growing Together’ initiative, was awarded to a total of thirteen community growing initiatives across Scotland which aim to “foster community engagement in growing and learning about food, and to promote healthy eating and outdoor exercise”.
Following this award, Growing Local aims to run approximately 10 workshops across Northmavine communities in 2022 to support people to get growing or develop their existing growing skills and knowledge – including those with limited growing space at home. The workshops will be provided by Transition Turriefield – a very well-established growing initiative which holds regular training and advice throughout Shetland, with extensive experience in growing topics such as soil health, undercover growing, pests and diseases, dealing with weeds, composting, how to extend the growing season, growing on a small scale for income generation and much more (more details at www.turriefieldveg.co.uk).
These workshops will be provided in part during several growing-themed events set to take place in Northmavine during the 2022 growing season, including a plant sale, makers’ market and garden and produce show. Additionally, workshops will be provided to users of several new and existing growing spaces being developed within the community, with the aim of maximising potential community ‘ownership’ of these spaces, as well as supporting Growing Local project outcomes including an increase in community food security and reduction in food miles.
CSGN is one of the largest environmental projects of its kind in Europe, and is designed to support, link up and build on existing partnerships and programmes with the objective of improving wellbeing in Scotland. The 2021/22 fund of £100,000 is the first time that projects from across Scotland have been invited to apply. More details can be found here: CSGN Growing Food Together Fund: Awards Made to Thirteen Projects – Central Scotland Green Network