Garden owners urged to share their land (From Malvern Gazette)

Garden owners urged to share their land

11:00am Monday 27th July 2009 in

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A NEW garden-share scheme hopes to encourage more people to grow produce by bringing garden owners and keen growers together.

‘Lets Grow Together’, a new scheme from environmental group Transition Malvern Hills, aims to pair up garden owners who would be willing to share an area of their land with others who are keen to grow food but have no access to a suitable plot, in exchange for a share of the produce.

Similar schemes have been a big success in other parts of the country, and organiser Wilma Harrington believes it could also be a hit in Malvern, especially considering the town’s well-documented shortage of allotment space.

“The allotment situation is pretty dire in Malvern and there is a long waiting list,” said Mrs Harrington. “It just occurred to us that there must be people in Malvern who would benefit from a scheme like this.

“Perhaps those who were once active in their gardens, but are no longer able to be so, would enjoy seeing their gardens come alive again whilst sharing their valuable knowledge and experience.

“Some may have space in their garden but not the time to grow their own. This would be an ideal way to enjoy some home-grown food without all the hard work.”

Organisers are also looking for people who don’t have a garden to share but would be willing to offer advice to gardeners, as well as unwanted garden tools in any condition to refurbish and put to good use in the scheme.

“There is a lot of interest in growing your own food, and hopefully this will make it possible for more people,” said Mrs Harrington. “Once you start growing your own food you will never stop. It is very addictive.”

Anyone interested in getting involved should call 01684 891273 or email food@transitionmalvernhills.org.uk For more information about Transition Malvern Hills visit transitionmalvernhills.org.uk