To date there has been over 60 volunteers involved in the project. The concept is to work with volunteers in the direct vicinity of the growing plots to develop and increase people's involvement in their community. This enables the project to be responsive to that community's need, be it specific produce they would like or training/volunteer opportunities. We have worked with local people/volunteers to design, build and develop unused plots of land to create growing spaces. Volunteers of all ages worked together at our flagship plot in Weymouth to design, plan and build growing beds and a composter along with repurposing rowing boats at the front of the plot to provide free to pick fresh fruit and veg. We have built raised and accessible growing beds, a water collection system and developed a microgreen growing area in our second growing space, a courtyard at a community centre in Wimborne. Through donations we have been able to plant at both sites and harvest small taster crops and are now confidently starting our first full growing season. Currently we are developing 2 separate plots in Turlin Moor and Heatherlands Estate the two groups of volunteers are in the process of identifying plots, planning and designing the growing gardens. Additional learning for volunteers has included: how to build beds, grow produce from seed, the best times and ways to water, care for and harvest the vegetables and the importance of nutritional value. In addition we aim to support volunteers wishing to do so the opportunity to work towards qualifications in horticulture. For those that are unemployed we also offer, through our sister project Inspire Dorset, coaching toward employment, self employment, enterprise set up and training opportunities. Feedback from our volunteers has shown the project supports them in developing more ideas and direction in life, work and education goals and helped reduce isolation and anxiety. Having time to work with others in a relaxed, friendly outdoor environment with the added bonus of doing something positive for their community, enables volunteers to build confidence and develop a platform to further achieve their life goals. Access to freshly grown produce is an essential part of staying fit and healthy along with spending time outdoors in the fresh air. This project highlights the benefits of working outdoors, positive mental health and wellness, learning how to grow and look after fresh produce and promoting healthy eating ideas through recipes and soup events. We will support volunteers to build on their employability skills and learn new skills such as marketing, team work, fundraising and communication and offer training and qualifications in and around horticulture.
