Bodmin gardeners who are keen to grow their own vegetables and fruit – but may not have the skills or space to do it – can now sow the seeds of success thanks to a local food scheme.

The Cornwall Community Food and Composting Project, funded by the Big Lottery’s Local Food programme, aims to help people grow their own food, compost their waste and create community gardening groups across Cornwall.

Now in its second year, the project is now looking for people in the Bodmin area who would like to create a new community gardening group. The partnership will provide plenty of support, including project development and funding advice, plus gardening tools and compost bins.

Community gardens provide great opportunities for people to meet up, share skills and get their hands dirty.  As well as learning about growing your own food and composting, community gardens are brilliant places to meet other people in the neighbourhood. It has also been proved that gardening can reduce stress and improve health through exercise.

The project is the result of a partnership between three organisations – Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change, Cornwall Waste Action and the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens. And its launch is very timely as more people are turning to growing their own food to save money during the recession, while there is growing concern about better diets and the impact of food miles on the environment. Both adults and children will be encouraged to take part and grow their own produce, helping them learn more about the natural world and healthy eating.

Jeany Robinson, Development Co-ordinator for the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens said: “More and more people are putting their names on allotment waiting lists, but sometimes, once they’re lucky enough to get one, it can be much more of a daunting task than they’d hoped.

“By joining a community gardening project, you’re never on your own. As well as learning new skills you’re getting fresh air and exercise for free.  What’s more, your diet improves if you’re reaping the harvests of your own freshly grown, healthy, tasty food.”

Anyone interested in learning more about this idea should contact Jeany Robinson via 01752 267293 or email: (Aktiviere JavaScript, um die Email-Adresse zu sehen).

A suitable location for the community garden is also being sought, so if anybody has any spare land, or knows of any space, please make contact.