The idea
The project is to green up unloved bits of land and places in Cheriton and Folkestone, to add planters to the local streets filled with yummy free food for all local people, and to work with volunteers to add colourful, beautiful edible plants to the gardens at All Souls Church.
We want to bring people together, to develop community resiliance through these hard COVID times and support people who are isolated in the community through gardening and growing fresh local food.
We believe working together in the fresh air will develop positive mental attitudes, create essential support networks and new friendship groups.
Volunteering opportunities and free healthy food are offered to all sections of the community, not just those on low incomes. There is no need to queue for food and therefore no stigma
What we'll deliver
- add 10 more planters to the Cheriton High Street
- create a new sensory edible garden to All Souls Church
- Create a forest garden at All Souls Church
Why it's a great idea
Volunteers will be able to get involved growing chemical free food and making new friends. Wildlife corridors will be created. All local people will have access to free fruit and vegetables throughout the year. Calming sensory spaces will be created for people and wildlife. The past year has made us realise how important access to communal spaces is.
We will be gardening as much as possible in tune with nature and therefore will aim to use no dig gardening methods where-ever possible, producing as much of our compost as possible and collecting rain water to sustain out planters and gardens. .
Tidying unloved areas, will hopefully rub off on others and they will feel inspired to tidy their own gardens and volunteer to help others who may be less able - building a movement of thoughtful volunteers to maintain these spaces to welcome people together with a conversation starter to encourage new friendships and connections.
Steps to get it done
- collecting enough rain water to water all the planters and gardens created
- making enough compost to grown on seeds and plants
