News

Community scheme grows across borough

Digging

Green-fingered Calderdale residents can now apply to use Council land for growing schemes which encourage people to plant and pick their own fruit and vegetables.

The Council’s community growing scheme has been running in the upper valley of Calderdale for over four years after an initial successful pilot in Todmorden. The scheme has now been extended across the borough meaning that any patch of green space owned by the Council could be considered for community growing use.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhood Services, Cllr Susan Press, said:

“Community growing is a great way for people to know where their food has come from, meet people, share ideas and put unused land to good use.

“There’s a wealth of community spirit in Calderdale and by opening up Council green spaces for community use we can help local people and support work to build a resilient food network.

“The scheme will also help reduce social isolation through the growth of our community groups; all contributing to our Vision for Calderdale for 2024 and in particular its key theme of kindness and resilience.”

Interested community groups or individuals should first check if the land they want to use is owned by the Council and is suitable for community growing use. To find out, visit https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/maps/growing for maps showing Council owned spaces and their suitability.

Calderdale Council was one of the first councils in the country to make Council land available for community food growing. The Council has advised other local authorities in the UK and as far as New Zealand and Japan on the scheme which follows in the footsteps of the Incredible Edible movement which started in Todmorden 10 years ago.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Inequalities, Cllr Faisal Shoukat, said:

“Knowing more about the food we eat, where it’s come from and having access to healthy foods regularly is important to improve our health. The community growing scheme also supports our Active Calderdale mission, encouraging people to be more active, more often.

“The scheme has been so popular we’re extending it across the borough. We want to hear from people, especially community groups, who are interested in growing their own fruit and veg but are currently lacking the space to do it.” 

The year 2024 marks Calderdale’s 50th birthday. Where do we want to be by 2024? What’s our ambition and what will be different? Get involved with the debate on Twitter with #VisionCdale2024 and find out more at https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/council/vision-2024

To find out more about the community growing scheme, visit www.calderdale.gov.uk and search for community growing or sustainable food.

For anyone who’s interesting in promoting good food in Calderdale, the Calderdale Food Network works to promote healthy and sustainable food to everyone in Calderdale. The Network is always looking for new members and is open to anyone, from those with an interest in cooking through to food manufacturers.  To find out more or get involved, contact Aine Douglas, Calderdale Food Network Co-ordinator aine.calderdalefoodnetwork@gmail.com. The next meeting of the network is on Monday 26 November from 1.30-3.30pm at Holy Trinity Primary School. 

ENDS

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