Food growing

We have been supporting food growing in the Borough of Richmond for several years, especially at schools and by community groups such as Ham United Group, who had an allotment first at Ham House and now at Grey Court School.

In early 2010 we linked up with Capital Growth, the campaign to set up 2012 new food growing spaces in London by the end of 2012.  Our food growing co-ordinator Vicky Phillips has now visited and provided support to over 20 food growing projects in the Boroughs of Richmond and Kingston. In June 2011, SWLEN was appointed the Capital Growth Local Lead organisation for the London Borough of Richmond and we shall be working with a variety of local partners, including Richmond Council, Richmond Churches Housing Trust, schools and local organisations to set up more food growing projects in the area.

Growing food locally has many benefits, including fresh air, socialising and exercise for the participants, food that is more nutritious as it is fresher, reduced carbon emissions, income generation opportunities, and the development of skills that can lead to employment in horticulture and catering.

Buckingham Produce Shop

We can help with advice on issues such as fundraising, accessing cheap materials, what to grow and setting up a constitution for your group.

If you would like help or are interested in getting involved in a local food growing project, please email Vicky Phillips. We know of many projects that are in need of volunteers.

For more about our food growing projects, see the regular features and photos on the Richmond Environment Network Facebook page and visit the Capital Growth website where you can look at a list of projects by Borough across London and read a short description of each.

Fulmer Close vegetable plot