Volunteers needed for community organic garden project

Kent Wildlife Trust is inviting local residents to help with its Romney Marsh Sustainable Horticultural Enterprise project being developed in one acre of the Romney Warren Country Park and nature reserve near New Romney.

The aim is to produce flowers, fruit and vegetables using organic techniques and the principles of permaculture*, and participants can either be allocated a defined plot or work on the communal allotment section.

Project Leader and Manager of the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, Steve Humphreys, said: "No horticultural experience is needed as training will be given, so all our welcome to join us. And we are not just looking for active youngsters but also the elderly, the disabled and those who feel socially isolated.

"It’s a flexible scheme with participants free to choose how much time they spend during the opening hours of the Visitor Centre."

So far nine volunteers have been recruited and are involved in plant propagation, making raised beds and fences, and drawing up plans and planting schemes. They are also in the process of renovating a hut on site to be used as a tearoom, workshop and educational space.

Further training will be done over the winter months when activity in the gardens slows. First aid training will also be provided.

The gardens are open to the public and volunteers will be responsible for interpretation, answering visitors’ questions and guided tours.

Produce is divided amongst volunteers with any surplus offered to visitors to generate donations to the project. Plants are also sold in the Visitor Centre.

Call Steve on 01797 369487 for further details on how to get involved in the project.

*Refer to www.permaculture.org.uk

 

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