BBC
The centre, run by a team of volunteers, will operate like a normal farm
A community garden which supplies fresh vegetables to its local food bank has been saved from closure and now has expansion plans.
Windermere Food Farm in Cumbria faced an uncertain future after the land it used at a nearby hotel was sold.
However, following an appeal on social media, it has now been given a patch of land on the Matson Estate, just outside Windermere, to develop a new organic growing centre.
A team of volunteers is now installing vegetable beds and planning to grow peas, carrots, onions and potatoes.
Tim Keenan, who set up the community interest company four years ago, described it as a lifeline for many in need.
He said: “If you are in the unfortunate position where you can’t afford food, you have to make sure that the food you are getting is the best it can be.
“We will try to provide the food bank with the basic stuff going forward.”
Tim Keenan said the food farm would reduce food waste
Sam Scott, from the Matson Estate, told the BBC: “I’ve been volunteering at the food bank for over a year now, and I see a huge turnover of people who need help.
“So I just thought, we have this little area that had been standing empty, and we wanted to help.”
Mr Keenan said it would operate “as a normal farm, we’ll furlough fields and have crop rotation”.
“This will supply local people with cheap, organic veg, and if they take part in a circular composting scheme, they’ll get a double discount,” he added.
“It reduces food waste, reduces food miles, so it tackles a lot of environmental issues that we face.
“Because Windermere is a massive tourist destination, it makes sense to make it as sustainable as possible.”
Comments are closed.