‘Growing Together’ West Lothian.

Families in Craigshill will have better access to fresh produce and be part of local food sourcing thanks to the work of Growing Together. The project pulls together input from West Lothian Youth Action Project – which received an award from WLCAN’s Eco Development Fund – and partners.  

Growing Together is developing several community garden sites, including two larger ones. The biggest will provide the main bed space to grow produce for the community fridge, giving customers access to fresh produce in its prime. The age of produce in community fridges can be an issue, but having a dedicated supply direct from growing source means this fridge will be able to stock the freshest produce for the first time, says David Tatton of Growing Together. Development of an orchard in Craigshill is also part of the work.

The gardens also allow trainees including young people to get hands-on experience as part of other projects. The team will also work with schools, alternately visiting three primaries and hosting them in return.

“The biggest element of all this is community engagement,” says David, “developing events and our volunteer base too.”

The garden projects promote organic and peat-free growing to work in harmony with the environment. The group also wants to provide seeds, plants and materials to residents, to support training and allow them to continue to grow in their own spaces.

The Eco Fund will help support the development of biodiverse wildflower areas within the community gardens, schools and the wider area through workshops and events around preparation, planting and seed bomb-making. This will extend good growing habits into areas that not only look good, but which attract pollinating insects that are vital for our food chain. 

Specific repairs include restoring damaged raised beds and adding rainwater capture to a satellite community garden will make it easier and more pleasurable for residents to use to relax or grow food, flowers and herbs. 

The existing raised beds within the main community garden will be expanded to support increased food production and community engagement. The focus on providing more fresh produce strengthens support for families dealing with food insecurity, and by giving them access to growing materials, training and workshops, there’s greater empowerment. 

The collaboration is hosted by WLYAP, working with Almond Housing and Spark to reduce the impact of problems such as mental ill health and low income. Rounding out the benefits of good food comes from knowing it’s grown close to home, and as part of a project designed to improve a community’s financial, emotional and physical wellbeing, as well as taking action for the climate emergency.