The Growing Project is a community organic garden in Pensilva Cornwall, tackling youth unemployment
To grow organic fruit and veg in a community garden, whilst providing high quality training for young people, who would struggle to get into employment. We will develop a market for a local veg box scheme and involve the wider community in local food production and distribution.
Why the community needs usWe benefit the community by:1) improving the supply of local affordable organic fruit and veg;2) supporting local young people to gain skills, qualifications and work experiences;3) providing volunteering opportunities to members of the wider community;4) providing access to healthy gardening activity to the whole community through Community Open Days;5) decreasing isolation and building community spirit;6) stimulating other green initiatives within the village.
Our impact on the communityWe are now 4 years old and our volunteers tell us that they really enjoy working outdoors with others, seeing the veg plants develop and being part of developing the project. So far, we have planted a new apple orchard, put in a pond, renovated the hedges, removed invasive weeds, cultivated 1/3rd acre of new growing area and built a shed and 2 polytunnels.
Producing organic fruit and veg and working alongside disadvantaged young people on the land. Some growing or youth work experience. preferred but not essential