Food for thought

A new community food garden is holding an open day on Sunday, February 3, from 10am to 3pm.

The garden project is run by Transition Town Wotton, an emerging group of local people who want to create local solutions to global problems such as climate change and rising energy prices. John Barnes, a member of the group, said: "Developing projects such as the community food garden, we aim to provide practical examples of living more sustainably.

"For example, this community garden creates a space where local people can exchange knowledge, information and skills to produce healthy food."

Transition Towns are inspired by the principles of Permaculture, which since its development in the 1970s stood for permanent-agriculture but which has evolved today to also mean permanent-human-culture.

John explained: "Based on the principle that every action we take should have more than one benefit to the overall well-being of nature, the eventual goal of Permaculture is to create a more sustainable future.

"By adopting the examples we see in nature such as encouraging diversity and co-operation it can help inspire people to care more for the earth and its occupants."

The food garden will provide an example of local food production which can be shared in return for volunteering. Any surplus harvest can be sold locally and used to add funds to the garden's development, maintenance and promotion.

Other initiatives include a space for children where they can have fun and learn at the same time, as we adults do. There are also plans to develop a composting area which will include a wormery and wildlife areas.

The food garden is at Knapp Road allotments (behind the Full Moon, Synwell).

John Barnes said: "If you would like to learn more about growing your own food but don't have the space, time or know-how, or if you have gardening knowledge and experience you would like to share with others, please come along and get involved."

For more information on Transition Town Wotton visit www.wottontt.webeden.co.uk