Norwich CSA Elena writes: It's all go at the Norwich CSA. We've done shedloads of work. Surely the most exciting piece of work was done by Tully, Erik and William, who have successfully recruited us a farm manager. We are very happy that our preferred candidate, Laura, accepted the job and will be starting in post mid-February.We've held a visioning session to get our values and dreams for our farms down on paper: you can see the results here. Some people's passions led them to very concrete outcomes: keeping bees or learning to coppice; while others considered the whole nature of our food system and the way we treat our land. It's very inspiring to look forward and envisage what we can grow on this site- it won't just be vegetables! Read the whole article here.
The School Market Garden Eileen reports: There was once a time when schools had gardens ('dig for victory'!), and there was a time (pre Jamie Olivier), when school meals were only something to laugh about. Between these two points lie opportunities for the School Project. Thanks to the generosity and foresight of the Governors, and the time and effort put in by Toni Hassett and Tully Wakeman, the NCA school site should begin surprising Hewett students by April.
The school garden will offer fresh produce to on-site caterers, provide curriculum linked opportunities to staff and students, and illustrate an alternative relationship with how food is grown, and the choices we make about that food. It is early days yet. Just as the earth is slowly showing signs of spring warming, and tender shoots begin to appear, these ideas begin to take shape. There is support and interest from local schools, and how this project evolves will in part be influenced by those who take part in it. A 'schools' group wing of NCA has been mooted and will meet after the 31st. Our ground is being tilled and is ready for planting, and growth!
Grapes Hill Community Garden: Jeremy reports: On Sunday 23rd January 2011 we planted fruit trees, soft fruit and grape vines in the garden. It was hard work (especially breaking up the subsoil) but very enjoyable and we managed to plant everything! Thanks to everyone who took part. A full list of the fruit trees and bushes planted is here. The trees and bushes came from Reads Nursery at Hales Hall, near Loddon.Grapes Hill's next event is on Sunday 13 February - Garden Work Day. Meet at the garden, 11am. Some tools will be provided, but please bring a digging fork if you have one. NCA Growing and Environment Group meet on 10 February (see calendar for details)
Photo: CSA Hedge planting at Postwick; Grapes Hill Community Garden tree planting day, both by Jeremy Bartlett
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