The JTCT was recently delighted to offer financial support to a (CIC) called Grow Gurnard with the aim of creating a community farm for the residents of Gurnard. The farm is community-based and follows sustainable approach to growing food.
Residents of Gurnard are encouraged to be involved in the production of their food as well as contributing to their health and well-being through closer links with nature and green spaces.
The group are also committed to promoting biodiversity and opportunities for deprived families and young people in Gurnard, IOW.
Whilst in the early stages, ultimately the farm will operate on a not-for-profit basis following the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model and adhere to the principles of organic and regenerative agriculture. As well as contributing to the resilience of the local food system and its sustainability, the farm will foster social inclusivity and a sense of shared ownership. It will also provide an educational space in partnership with the IOW College and other local organizations.
While Gurnard on the IOW is often perceived as a prosperous village, in reality it contains pockets of social and economic deprivation with some areas falling into the 21-40% most deprived areas of England. Households in these areas have limited connection to green spaces and opportunities to grow food and learn about healthy eating. These households will be the groups primary beneficiaries and will include all ages and whole families.
They aim to tackle a number of issues within the community:
• Social exclusion of some residents who lack a perception of themselves as being part of the village community
• Lack of access to a healthy diet, particularly fresh fruit and vegetables
• Lack of knowledge/skills to enjoy the production of food and to realise the social benefits of a shared community project
• Lack of access to a space in which to enjoy growing food
• Lack of employment opportunities for young people by provision of horticultural experience
Starting in February 2024, the group developed a pilot project, using disused raised beds adjacent to Gurnard Pines where families were encouraged to adopt a bed and grow their own vegetables. The scheme is ongoing and is a great success. Three families one for each available bed regularly tend to their patches and have enjoyed harvesting throughout the summer and Autumn. It has proved that, with the right encouragement, the local residents are enthusiastic about growing their own food. This was done in partnership with Gurnard Parish Council, who manage the land which makes up part of the old school’s garden area.
The site is one hectare of agricultural land adjacent to Cockleton Lane and is part of a Sustainable Alternative Green Space (SANG) that is being established by Jordan Valley Estates Ltd. As part of the SANG the group are committed to promoting biodiversity.
The land is close to Gurnard Pines on its western edge, Gurnard village to the north and a large housing development to the east, which will bring many new families into the area, but access to the farm will be island wide.
The financial assistance provided by the JTCT helped the group with its immediate goal in obtaining and plant hedgerow trees and a range of native fruit and nut trees over the winter.
Varieties planted include dog rose, hawthorn, hazel, crab apple, blackthorn, elder, rowan, silver birch, and common oak. As well as providing some edible fruit, they will also provide food and shelter for wildlife.
To see how you can get involved please contact [email protected]
