Calling gardening enthusiasts in Warwickshire
Leading charity, Garden Organic, and Warwickshire County Council are piloting a brand new project to train people in the art of growing their own, funded by the Big Lottery Fund’s Local Food scheme.
The Master Gardener scheme - a volunteer network supporting local people and communities to grow fruit and vegetables in their gardens and communal land – kick-starts this spring and volunteers are being urged to register.
Volunteer co-ordinator Kate Newman explains, “More and more people are becoming interested in growing their own food for reasons ranging from protecting the environment, health, and saving money. Each volunteer Master Gardener will be responsible for supporting 10 householders to grow their own food.”
Following in the footsteps of its sister scheme – Master Composters – the new Master Gardeners will go out into the community to promote the benefits of food growing through events, community talks, and practical demos. The role of a Master Gardener is not only getting more people into gardening and growing their own, but also to support them through any difficulties.
Cllr Alan Cockburn, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “The great thing about the scheme is you don’t have to be an expert to be eligible to volunteer all that is required is some experience of growing your own, together with a passion for encouraging others to have a go.”
Full Master Gardener training is provided covering everything a volunteer should need to know, with additional support from a dedicated Master Gardener manual and interactive website.
Mark Wheddon, Local Food Programme Manager added: “It is projects like this that have a wide and lasting impact on the community and we are happy to support them. ‘The Master Gardener’ scheme marks just the beginning in terms of Local Food grants. With a record £50 million to distribute to various groups we will begin to see a real change in the accessibility of local food right across the country.”
So, if you live in the Warwickshire region and are interested in becoming a Master Gardener call the Garden Organic volunteer co-ordinator Kate Newman on 024 7621 7721, or email knewman@gardenorganic.org.uk
For more information visit http://www.mastergardeners.org.uk.