October 1942: Champion gardener 89 year old John Hall carries a pile of his prize winning vegetables, at his allotment at Foots Cray. Photo by Reg Speller

Trust helps fuel grow your own revolution

February, 2009
The initiative comes as demand for growing spaces is at an all time high – with more than 100,000 people currently on allotment waiting lists – as people look to spend more time with friends or family, exercising in the outdoor ‘gym’ and enjoying the fresh food they can produce.

It has been estimated that these new growing spaces could produce up to around 2.6 million lettuces per year, 50,000 sacks of potatoes or, alternatively, mixed produce worth up to an estimated £ 1.5 million.

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An artist’s impression of a canal boat being used to grow food. Photograph: British Waterways.

Feb 19, 2009
BYM News

British Waterways’ Chairman, Tony Hales said: ‘British Waterways is very excited to be part of the Capital Growth project. The 100-miles of canals and rivers we care for in London provide a green corridor through the city, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets.  We are working with Capital Growth to identify any suitable pockets of land along London’s waterways that we or others might not be using, and matching them up with local groups and schools looking to grow their own food. 

‘We are also looking into more creative options, such as giving a new lease of life to some of our retired workboats, saving them from the breaker’s yard and converting them into floating vegetable gardens, moveable feasts that could provide growing opportunities in even the most built-up of areas. 

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Leslie, from City Slicker Farms, dropped by our Demo Garden and told us about her work in West Oakland.

City Slicker Farms helps low income West Oakland residents grow produce to feed their families. Staff help build organic vegetable gardens and provide the ongoing assistance, supplies and materials necessary for successful growing. For those who want to sell produce, they provide the markets necessary for sales and also work with growers to ensure quality.

City Slicker Farms website here.