DIG - Establish a Horticultural Hub of excellence on an unused site to support our community groups, bringing people together, improve and open a green space, offering a full calendar of events
DIG - A unused site in Hanwell. https://vimeo.com/504762676 (for a more detailed video) We want to take this great site and establish a Horticultural Hub to be used by many community groups offering a programme of activities that address mental health, wellbeing, social isolation, social prescribing, special needs, over 60’s., under 30’s. As part of this we will identify and deliver a programme of learning on a weekly basis for those interested in working in the field of horticulture enabling them to have job ready skills. Also including those who wish to attend for their own wellness. This is an amazing space crying out to be fully used - A dedicated hub to be used by a cross section of residents and groups, providing a full calendar of events encouraging community interaction, social inclusion, a sense of civic pride and a growing knowledge in a greener cleaner local area. The organically produced food will be shared by the participants and surplus will be offered to food banks
What we'll deliver
Growing thriving 2560 square metre community site
New community Hub
Local food producers
New educational facility
Why it's a great idea
A community educational hub providing training, food growing, improved mental wellbeing, physical exercise, tackling social isolation and improving the environment.
Community groups who have approached us to work in collaboration with them offering their clients a horticultural programme of events - Mindfood, West Thames college, Soup4lunch, Schools - learning outside the classroom. With DIG we would have the site and the expertise to work constructively with these various groups who are keen to have joint ventures as part of their programme of events.
Local residents - a new learning and growing green space available to the individual regardless of whether they belong to a bigger group or not.
Environmentalists - reducing carbon footprint of food, by growing locally and eating seasonally.
Steps to get it done
Preparing the growing beds
Reskin the Polytunnel
Buying seeds and plants
Buying some new tools
Upgrade the toilets
Improve the kitchen area
Community open day
First workshop of the season
Project Induction
Composting Bay
Previously we ran a weekly workshop on this site with Ealing Mencap - due to their cutbacks they had to move off site. - It is now unused. Ealing council are willing to lease it to us to continue it as a community resource.
Location
We are an independent social enterprise and c...
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We are an independent social enterprise and charity. Working to improve employment, education, health and wellbeing outcomes of communities in London by improving the natural environment, setting a standard for engaging communities in their green spaces and providing greater access and understanding of community and environmental needs.
Our unique approach is bespoke and tailored horticultural services to communities, community sites, commercial and private contracts. Sponsoring and employing young trainees, providing a learning environment with opportunities to progress in the industry, supported by our our registered horticulturists and educational professionals.
We strive to have the built environment balanced with retaining and creating as much green space as possible in London. Always looking to use sustainable, organic and biodiverse principles, to help protect wildlife and enhance the life of the community.
The Project Owner takes legal responsibility for receiving and spending the funds raised and ensuring the project is delivered.
The team responsible for building or installing the project.
