Producing more of our own food is something we can all encourage and support in various ways.

NailsworthCAN has a Let’s Grow It sub-group that meets regularly to encourage those wishing to grow their own edible plants, and to explore various ways to achieve sustainable results such as permaculture.

The Arkell Centre Grow It Project

It great to see the project come to fruition, literally.

Our Let's Grow It project at the Arkell Centre, Forest Green, Nailsworth is now officially open!

We held an informal event last week during the Community Cafe and invited Trustees, Town Councillors and visitors to the cafe to help us do the final planting of herbs and seeds. It was really great to see the little ones digging in.

As part of the project we've installed galvanised planters and trellis, permanent planting of fan-trained and dwarf fruit trees, blackberry, raspberry, blackcurrant, rhubarb, strawberries and herbs as well as lettuce, radish, beans and beetroot seeds. We've used local suppliers for almost everything and the NailsworthCAN Grow It group supplied the volunteers.

The aim is to show how you can grow fruit and veg even in a small space and to give users of the Centre the chance to see how food arrives from plant to plate. The garden is in the secure outdoor area which users of the Arkell Centre can access.

Many thanks to all the local residents, businesses and Stroud District Council for their kind donations of money and help. Another great community project for Nailsworth and the Climate.

If you would like to get involved with this project alongside our NailsworthCAN Grow It group, please contact us on nailsworthcan@gmail.com

What can you do?

• Join our Let’s Grow It support network, coordinated by Bill Roberts, for anyone growing anything to eat. They meet monthly and have a WhatsApp group, to join message ‘Grow It’ to 07932 623672.

• Eating out? Then stay local and sample the locally produced food from our wide range of hospitality venues in Nailsworth, which will need our support as we move out of lockdown - most of these venues endeavour to source produce locally wherever possible.

• The Stroud District Foodbank is a major operation and people can support it with supplies and with their own labour. St. George’s Church is also involved in offering support.

• Want local dairy and loose goods, which also cuts down on plastic? Then Shiny Goodness can help you.