I Dig! Sherwood & Showfields

I Dig Sherwood is a project  to encourage people to grow produce, learn about the nutritional benefits of eating fresh food and to de-mystify the process of growing your own.

During the regeneration of the Sherwood estate, Town and Country Housing Group converted an area of garages and car park on Burslem Road into an allotment site for the local community. Take up was a little slow, so Kent High Weald Partnership was asked if we could look at a different approach to using the site, making vegetable growing more accessible for all.The aim of I Dig Sherwood was to create a wildlife-friendly shared growing space for both existing and new residents of the Sherwood estate, with small manageable plots, and ongoing tuition and support for participants interested in growing their own. Raised beds for easier access will also be included.

Since the launch of the project we had great success transforming the space, sharing knowledge and creating a fun community of growers! We have stepped back allowing the site and users to flourish.

If you are interested in growing here do get in contact – Tirzah.Bottomley@kent.gov.uk

We have also had help from-

  • Town and Country Foundation
  • Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
  • Building Futures Project (Wates)
  • The Horizon Project

 

I Dig Showfields is a project where we aim to encourage people to join us in adding blooms of colour to the community green spaces in the estate

Town and Country Housing Group engaged the local community to decide on where we could add some colour  and wildlife friendly areas on the estate. Rowan tree road is home to the butterfly beds and outside the Community centre you will spot the raised beds which provide not only community use herbs but some additional seating. We have also worked with local volunteers to lay the hedge running along Eridge road.

We have also been working with  the little learning tree, Town and country housing & the Broadwater community to create a safe and interesting play space for the children to use outside the community hall.

Works on the area included fencing the area, landscaping, installing a pathway, raised beds for flower & veg growing, composting area, mud kitchen and mini beast hotel. The Pre-school also joined us for the day to help with filling the beds, watering and the wood chip. This area has been up and running for sometime now and the children LOVE it!

If you are interested in volunteering some time to help tend to the areas (litter picking, trimming and weeding do get in contact- rebecca.messenger@kent.gov.uk)

We have also had help from-

  • Town and Country housing
  • Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
  • Number one community trust
  • Little learning tree
  • Rowan tree Surgery

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