Training Community Food Growing Leaders Project
In December 2023, the Public Health Prevention Fund provided funding for a one-year pilot project created by Greenspaces, Public Health and Incredible Edible Barnet. The project was designed to increase access to food growing opportunities for residents and community groups by:
- building the capacity of 30 individuals to start and lead community food growing projects
- creating 4 new community food growing sites
- supporting existing local community growing leaders to share their knowledge and experience.
Outcomes of the project
- 7 existing community food growers in Barnet held sessions every other week from April to October 2024 for groups of residents interested in learning how to establish and run a peri-urban food growing project.
- 4 new community food growing sites are thriving and appreciated.
- 54 people completed the programme
Montrose Park
The site at Montrose Playing Fields has been a real success. Participants enjoyed the food growing and the social aspect of outdoor gardening. Many participants have expressed their interest in continuing at the site in 2025.
Basing Hill
The existing trainers at Basing Hill have established a strong network of local residents that are keen to use the community garden in years to come. The participants on the 2024 leadership programme are planning to run community drop-in gardening sessions in 2025, building on the skills they have learnt this year.
Church Farm Open Space
The Church Farm Open Space site has been run by Wendy from Incredible Edible Barnet. The site has been of great interest to the local community and the community outreach event for this site had approximately 80 attendees.
Hollickwood Park/Freehold Community Centre
The Hollickwood site has generated many good connections with the local community, including the local school which also has some food growing space. Some great community events with parents and children from Hollickwood School have been held, including cooking classes. Some of the 2024 participants are planning on taking over the running of the community garden at the Freehold Community Centre, which was the aim of the pilot project. Participants and trainers were also keen to create an orchard in Hollickwood Park next to the site. With support from the council’s tree team, 5 fruit trees will be planted this winter.
What’s next?
We are currently seeking funding to continue and expand opportunities to get involved with these four community food growing spaces in 2025. Look out for news in the Barnet First e-newsletter or contact Katherine.carr@barnet.gov.uk for more information.
Find out more about food growing opportunities in Barnet and how you could get involved: https://yourhealthbarnet.org/food-growing-opportunities