The idea
Gardening/allotment/growing projects have been established successfully in a number of “Sanctuary” towns and cities nationally and Sanctuary Kirklees have already established and oversee the highly successful Buzz beekeeping project.
The land has been identified and lease terms negotiated. The immediate aim is to clear, plough and fertilize the land over the summer months so it is ready to begin cultivating in early spring 2020.
However, before we can open up the project to volunteers and local groups we will need to install toilet facilities and because of the location this will need to be a high quality, low maintenance composting toilet which we estimate will cost in the region of £10,000.00 to commission and install.
What we'll deliver
- commission and install composting toilet facilities on site
- ethical and sustainable land use
- provide a resource to a variety of different local communities
- enable community engagement and integration
- provide formal and informal learning opportunities
Why it's a great idea
This is potentially a very exciting opportunity to pilot a project that could form the hub of multiple initiatives across Kirklees promoting social inclusion, skill sharing, mental and physical health and environmental issues. It will:
- Develop positive links between asylum/seekers and refugees and local communities – integration, skills sharing, language development and other social interactions;
- Provide opportunities for asylum seekers and refugees to take part in positive and productive activities to alleviate stress and mental health problems caused by their status;
- Enhance the local ecology and environment in an inclusive and educational way.
Steps to get it done
- clearing, ploughing and fertilizing the land
- achieive fundraising target
- install composting toilet facility
- recruit volunteers
- fence the growing area and build work sheds
- purchase seeds
- plant for 2020 crops
Initial discussions have already taken place with a local foodbank who currently use donated funds to purchase fresh vegetables from local supermarkets. The project will aim to grow sufficient organic produce to sell to the foodbank at below retail price. The income produced will be reinvested in the Project which should then become a viable social enterprise.
