Mylander - Issue 86

Council Reports Seed Giveaway - Grow at Home 2021 Wayne Setford of Together We Grow and Cllr Jocelyn Law are inviting residents to take part in a new scheme to grow food at home and bring the community together. Myland Community Council are committed to improving the local environment with planting across the area, through the ‘greening the parish’ initiative. The council has also encouraged residents to take part in annual bulb and tree giveaways. Now the council is delighted to collaborate with Together We Grow (a local not-for-profit social enterprise) on a new Seed Giveaway – Grow at Home scheme in spring 2021. How it will work This new scheme is open to anyone, whether or not you’ve got a garden, and even if you haven’t got any gardening experience. Residents will need to register their interest to take part, as there are a limited number of packs. Seed & growing packs will then be distributed to participants in March. The seeds can be grown in containers on a windowsill, with full instructions and support available (with the opportunity to join Zoom meetings and a WhatsApp group). We hope that participants will be able to develop their skills at the Together We Grow site in High Woods Country Park, culminating in a community event in the autumn. However, these aspects of the scheme might be subject to change due to the restrictions this year. Gardening improves our physical and mental wellbeing The council and Together We Grow both champion issues such as health & wellbeing, the benefits of the natural environment and the importance of bringing the community together. This new scheme builds on Together We Grow’s strong track record as a horticultural social enterprise to improve physical and mental wellbeing. Together We Grow – working with the community The organisation is supported by 40 volunteers, 15 of whom form a steering group (a number have participated in previous projects themselves). Together We Grow runs educational and therapeutic programmes from its two-acre Community Garden site at High Woods Country Park. 16