During March's lockdown, a group of local residents came together online with a vision of creating a market garden for Wilmslow.
Following a search for available land in Wilmslow, Transition Wilmslow identified two sites - Oakenclough Children's Centre in Colshaw and 'The Secret Garden' in Lacey Green.
The two new sites are designed to provide food growing opportunities where local residents can volunteer to learn how to grow more of their own food, work with others, whilst social distancing, and get involved with working towards a vision of creating a two acre market garden.
Cultivation has started and the group are now looking for volunteers to help, particularly from those living near the sites.
The spacious site provided by Oakenclough Children's Centre, was once a neglected garden site and is now being worked by volunteers including residents from Colshaw Farm.
The other site, 'The Secret Garden', which has kindly been lent to Transition Wilmslow by local resident Neil Hudson. is a smaller scale project where they are trialling intensive yet sustainable growing techniques.
Some of the produce grown from both sites will be supplied to the local Food Bank snd a community café is also planned at the Oakenclough site. Additionally, some of the food grown will be sold to help raise vital funds which will contribute to the installation of a large polytunnel to provide some indoor working space at the Oakenclough site ready for the spring.
Ellie Jackson, a resident from Colshaw said "I am very aware of the difficulty some residents living in a flat during lockdown have faced. Since hearing about Oakenclough, I've gladly got stuck in with my young son, enjoying the company and the fresh air. With social distance practiced at all times, it's just good to get outside."
Transition Wilmslow's Chair, Andrew Backhouse says "We're very thankful to Oakenclough Children's Centre, and Neil Hudson, who have provided us land to get Wilmslow digging. I'm astonished at the commitment and drive from local residents getting involved. These two sites add to our Community Garden at The Temp which has been running now for 9 years."
To get involved and volunteer, or to make a donation for tools, seeds, plants and equipment please get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
It all bodes well for a more resilient future as food security, food miles etc becomes increasingly important - lots of pertinent information on lowimpact.org