FOOD NETWORK Bristol’s local food update community news · courses · conferences · events july–august 2011

The Government have commissioned Mary Portas to head-up an independent review of the future of the High Street. The review will seek out ways to help develop more prosperous and diverse local shopping areas. Here in Bristol, many people are already working on alternative ways forward. A new regional currency – the Bristol Pound – will help support independent traders. While the Eat the Change project hopes to set up a People’s Supermarket for Bristol – run by the people, for the people.

Please email any suggestions for content of the September–October newsletter to [email protected] by 15 August. A wasted harvest? Can we use locally grown fruit and Perhaps local greengrocers could become vegetables that will otherwise go to distribution hubs for surplus crops for waste? a percentage of course. We could start talking of food yards and not food miles. In the Autumn some Bristolians will be Local cooks could show us what to do with buying fruit and vegetables whilst others all those apples, runner beans, courgettes will have grown fruit and vegetables that and the rest. will not be harvested at all. In 2011 can we connect the two? We all know and I would like to hear from anyone who is understand the issue. Thousands of fruit involved in a group that already tries to trees where fruit is left to drop, gardeners tackle this problem. I would like to learn and allotment holders with surpluses they what works and what doesn’t. And I would can’t give away and food being shipped to like to hear from anybody who would like Bristol from all over the world. to help with this challenge. There are organisations that do try to I am a member of SusWot, Sustainable tackle this problem. I’ve heard of one that Westbury-on-Trym. In May and June will pick apples or pears for you and turn this year we have grown from seed and it into cider. And there are the occasional distributed almost 1,000 tomato plants entrepreneurial allotment holders who to people in Westbury-on-Trym. It was a Bristol’s local food update is produced by will barter with their local greengrocer. But simple project that aimed to help people volunteers at the Bristol Food Network, with food prices soaring and money short start growing some of their own food. with support from Bristol City Council. surely we can do a more? It was fun and involved lots of people. I The Bristol Food Network is an umbrella hope SusWot will be able to run a project group, made up of individuals, The benefits for our city could be great. to reduce the amount of wasted crops in community projects, organisations Less waste, people eating locally grown Westbury but wouldn’t it be good to do it and businesses who share a vision to fresh food probably produced without transform Bristol into a sustainable for all of Bristol? using many chemicals and communities food city. The Network connects people brought together with some shared If you think you could help email me working on diverse food-related issues – from getting more people growing, to harvesting activities. We could all eat Alex Dunn developing healthy-eating projects; from foods that were in season because they [email protected] tackling food waste, to making Bristol were so cheap, fresh and available. more self-sufficient. On the web… Ovagrown Organic tomatoes versus canned beans: How do consumers assess the environmental friendliness of vegetables? digest: Consumers’ assessment of environmental friendliness is compared with actual lifecycle assessment results of the overall environmental impact of a product throughout its lifespan. http://eab.sagepub.com/content/ early/2011/01/07/0013916510372865

Localizing fruit, vegetable consumption doesn’t necessarily solve environmental, health issues, study suggests digest: More than 99% of the produce grown in Santa Barbara County is exported. More than 95% of the produce Green-fingered colleagues from city- businesses around the city will be inspired consumed in the county is imported. centre firm Arup have given up their to follow suit and people will be able to www.sciencedaily.com/ lunchtimes and evenings to grow see how growing their own food can easily releases/2011/05/110519135116.htm vegetables on the grass outside their be done.” offices. Matt Gitsham from Arup said: “It’s Town hall bosses sell 50,000 allotments The team of employees from the fantastic to be given this opportunity off for redevelopment while ‘grow your consulting engineering firm approached by the council. Our group is really keen own’ demand soars the city council in the spring to suggest to grow our own low carbon food and digest: A survey commissioned by the last planting on some spare land outside their hopefully inspire some other would-be Government showed that in 1996–2006 office opposite St Mary’s Redcliffe. veg growers in the office and in the wider the number of allotment sites in cities, community.” towns and villages fell by nearly 800. The land is owned by Bristol City Council, and is in line with the council’s desire to Food growing was successfully trialled www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ see more food planting in parks and open last year in Castle Park. This has been article-1384483/Town-hall-bosses-sell- spaces. extended this year to another section of 50-000-allotments-grow-demand-soars. the park, plus some herb and salad beds html#ixzz1NYejbwQs Council Leader Barbara Janke said: “This were installed in Cabot Circus during the is an excellent project and highlights the recent Garden Life Show. A people-centered approach to improve potential of planting on land right in the access to food heart of the city centre. Anyone with suggestions where they digest: Simply producing more food will would like to see food growing should “The Arup employees are setting an not eradicate world hunger. The ongoing contact the Allotments Manager Steve excellent example to grow their own, and global food crisis requires governments Clampin – [email protected] make the most of spare grass and land to support small-scale farmers and to put around the city. The council is pleased The Arup group’s blog is access to food above overall production. to support this project, and I hope other http://ovagrown.blogspot.com/ www.energybulletin.net/ stories/2011-06-10/people-centered- approach-improve-access-food

Are bean sprouts the end of organic farming? Nah. digest: The rise of some of the nastiest forms of bacterial illness are directly associated with confinement and industrial agriculture. http://scienceblogs.com/ casaubonsbook/2011/06/are_bean_ sprouts_the_end_of_or.php

Sustainable Restaurants Association digest: A national not-for-profit membership association, providing restaurants with advice and support to help them navigate sustainability issues. www.fcrn.org.uk/interviews/2011/ sustainable-restaurants-association

2 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 On the web… GRO-FUN Planning for the harvest: Time GRO-FUN’s Many Hands Community Easton C of E schools and have been management for the chronically Allotment in St Werburghs is growing picking and eating salad, potatoes, radish overworked from strength to strength! After and strawberries with Years 3 and 4 to digest: You’ve decided that you are going participating in the Get Growing Trail their great delight and pride. We hope to do food preservation. It helps to plan we are hoping to attract more weekend to find additional schools to work with for the realities of the harvest – and this is volunteers to the garden to keep on top in the Spring term of 2012 so if you have planning that applies both to people with of general maintenance, other building any suggestions get in touch. As two of gardens who may now be planting, and projects and also, of course, to share the our P2P teachers are recently Mothers/ people who plan to put up food from local fun and fruits of our collective efforts. Mothers to be, we are looking also for farmers. With volunteer help we are currently more teacher/gardener types to deliver www.energybulletin.net/ building two shelters on the plot. One will our 12 week programme. Again, get in stories/2011-06-07/planning-harvest- allow us to cover the table, chair and pizza touch if this rewarding work is for you. time-management-chronically- oven area when inclement weather hits Finally, a group of drug-rehabilitation overworked whilst providing some vertical growing clients from a project called Pilot at space where the permaculture principle Hamilton House have been coming weekly Challenges of a Colorado Local Food of ‘stacking’ can be demonstrated. The to the plot to help out. The therapeutic Initiative second is a rain/sun shelter at the plot’s effects of and being outdoors highest point where the view across to the digest: Even in a county that’s largely are plain to see and the group make supportive of local farmers, getting a self build project and Narroways is superb. a positive impact on the space whilst This is to be built out of local hazel/willow quarter of your produce locally can be being enriched by the soil, plants and difficult. and may in the future be weatherproofed fresh air. We have time/space for hosting using traditional cob (clay, straw mix). more groups like this and are particularly www.newwest.net/topic/article/ challenges_of_a_colorado_local_food_ It will have the appearance of a rounded interested in helping vulnerable groups initiative/C619/L619/ ‘hobbit-hole’ and should be very inviting access gardening activities. – particularly for children. Please get in touch if you are interested in helping as GRO-FUN’s experienced staff are available Oxfam predicts climate change will help we will be dedicating a day at least to for one off workshops at events and will double food prices by 2030 building the structure, probably sometime consider any edible plant related work out digest: One of the great tragedies of in July, and are inviting folk to come and there. In the meantime I am off to harvest failing to act boldly to restrict learn in an informal ‘workshop’ setting. some strawberries from the plot. Have a gases is that it will turn the great great Summer. abundance humanity has known into We are coming to the end of our Plant scarcity. to Plate programmes in St Patricks and Nadia Hillman · [email protected] www.energybulletin.net/ stories/2011-06-03/oxfam-predicts- Edible Makeover of Castle Park climate-change-will-help-double-food- prices-2030-we-are-turning-ab Castle Park is situated alongside the river greengage, figs, cherries, mulberry, in one of the oldest parts of the city quince). Wall trained climbing plants (e.g. Time for a new focus on food of Bristol. Yet this is a relatively new park loganberry, blackberry, kiwi fruit, vines, digest: Food insecurity is growing as with much of the underlying archaeology fan trained apricots & peaches, espalier demand for food grows and the things we hidden away and only a few glimpses here pears and apples). Edible hedgerows need to produce it become scarcer. At the and there of ancient stonework. Being so including sloes, wild rose, hawthorn, same time, around half of Australians are central, it’s the ideal place for an edible crab apples, elder, raspberries, damsons, dying as a result of their diets. Now is the makeover linking a wide range of groups bullaces etc. Small beds including some time to think hard and creatively about the across the city, some of whom may feel permanent planting such as artichokes, solution to this double-edged dilemma. inspired to roll out a more local version in currants etc., also edible flowers and herbs. their immediate neighbourhoods. In future www.energybulletin.net/ Details will be circulated as they become years we envision events and workshops stories/2011-06-02/time-new-focus- available including meetings for interested from horticultural training to celebrating food parties, the formation of a planning group the harvest. and a date in November for the planting Ambitious plan launches to establish An initial inspection of the park has event. bee corridors across the UK revealed numerous opportunities for Please register your interest and give an food planting compatible with the many digest: Like the US, the UK has seen idea of your preferred options i.e. whether established events and activities based honeybee populations plummet in the your group would prefer to plant up a there. Also sunny South-facing walls were last couple of years. The Co-operative large walnut tree or a , a mini identified, ideal for more exotic planting, Group has launched Plan Bee, which pear orchard or currant bushes by that doesn’t in any way pose a threat to will establish long rows of bee-friendly contacting [email protected] the city’s remaining heritage. ‘corridor’ habitats across the country. or 0117 923737. We’re also looking for www.energybulletin.net/ A list was drawn up of possibilities as sponsorship to support those community stories/2011-05-25/ambitious-plan- follows: Nut trees (walnut, hazel etc). Fruit groups who aren’t able to raise sufficient launches-establish-bee-corridors- trees (e.g. apple, pear, plum, damson, funds themselves. across-uk

3 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 Grow Grubby – news from Brislington Grow Grubby has worked with nursery Gardening is a wonderful, varied, sociable shop (items sold, bought with the power groups, with ‘hard to reach’ families, at and interesting subject. We should banish of bulk buying), delectable cakes and food markets, with adult and child pairs, the idea of not having Green Fingers. tea, chutneys, fresh produce, plants, at open days and events and welcomes There are so many ways to garden and herb challenge and drawing competition. everyone. an allotment site will provide you with Those involved ranged from experienced a whole range of different advice; tuts gardeners – Bob, a plot holder for 40yrs+ Grow Grubby tries to raise awareness and recommendations! It’s great – food gave a composting talk; Ray, the site of the issue of food, for now and for the growing has an accessible, inclusive spirit, Rep was on hand for tours and general future. Typical topics include plant needs, with many people feeling very strongly info – to local Mums, who ran the shop seasonality, activities that link plot to about their patch. Otherwise non-political and scrummy cafe. Plants were grown plate, soil health and growing projects and non-vocal folk become enraged and locally and children enjoyed the minibeast for all. Content is reviewed and updated passionately territorial when there is talk challenge from Grow Grubby. It feels continually. Strong themes include a of selling green space and allotments. good to see all of this food action in the ’can do’ attitude along with recycling and neighbourhood. reusing what we find, for example, making Here in Brislington, as in many other areas our own watering cans, drought saving of Bristol, we seem to constantly face the One concern is that although the food devices and sharing recipes. Instant prospect of new builds on our precious future issues will affect us all, if we are not benefits include a healthier life style, land. Some of our land has never been careful we will create intellectual food- fun learning, useful tips and interesting built on. The derelict light industrial sites ghettos where people feel disempowered, recipes. Benefits for the future may be already have facilities such as water, struggle to pay for poor quality food with that more people will have thought about electricity, drainage and road access, yet increasing prices and perhaps consider food, will have a greater value of food, and are not going to be remodelled for new- the whole food debate similar to the will be better able to develop an opinion build. In the future it will be prohibitively prospect of visiting some farmers markets about food matters. expensive to turn disused light industrial (i.e. not relevant or accessible to them). sites into food growing sites. Brislington Grow Grubby delivers gardening tips and One challenge for all of us is how to is quiet, but it is not passive. We see guidance but we won’t all be great food spread the word wider. Grow Grubby was local schools teaming up with a church to producers for the future, however we need at the Garden Life Show in Broadmead create living-learning spaces in the way of the value of food to be recognised. We will which was brave and brilliant because allotments in a church garden. Fruit tree ALL need to get food from somewhere. it was an unusual place for a green planting has happened in parks – only It is uncertain whether small patches gathering of gardening folk. It had great this Spring, BEC (Brislington Enterprise of food in urban growing is the future potential to access new audiences. It is College) students helped to plant some for filling our bellies, or whether we’ll always wonderful to feel the enthusiasm 450 edible species for future foragers, form greater working partnerships with sharing views with likeminded folk but, and infants turned out in the pouring rain our friends in the countryside. But right as residents concerned about our food to plant for wildlife. There is talk now this is not our focus; Grow Grubby futures, it is vital to promote appropriate of planting trees outside shops and in hopes to help people value food through decision making; we should take the forgotten corners. In addition, Brislington growing, experimenting, playing, enjoying issues to as wide an audience as possible. is fighting the sell-off of old meadows that and eating food. As the cost of food could be used for food growing or grazing Grow Grubby is about planting seeds rises, fields seem to be worth more to – every bit will help us in the future (www. for the future; both practically and build on than to use to feed ourselves. friendsofvictorypark.co.uk). Wick Road conceptually. Inviting others to come to As fodder crops fail and the Garden of Library has just embarked on turning its play, to get grubby, to talk, share and (Kent) struggles to raise crops, garden into a community space which has laugh about our wonderful heritage and Grow Grubby aims to make ‘food’ a point been designed by local children and will our bright future. We are always interested of discussion, involving as many people show examples of food growing. in innovative or new projects, so please as possible, to welcome all Bristol’s do get in touch. We have 6-week family residents, irrespective of their current Brislington’s showcase allotment site, courses available plus drop-in sessions attitude and awareness, to HAVE A VIEW, Talbot Road Allotment and Leisure once a month. All welcome! to be more aware of food issues. Grow Gardens, with art sprayed on water butts, Grubby aims to Provoke Interest. Grand helped Forum for the Future welcome Becky Thoburn aims, but on a small and human scale, visitors and rejoice in all things foodie for [email protected] encouraging others to get grubby and have the Get growing Trail (11 June). Activities growgrubby.yolasite.com a go. included the One Pot Pledge, gardening

4 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 On the web…

Transition Bath create Hedgemead Park 05210-tcf-1x3mbanner.pdfCSA 26/8/09 11:23:51 news veg garden digest: Volunteers have transformed an unused flowerbed into a community vegetable garden. www.youtube.com/transitionbath

Relocalizing investment in our local Visit the Community Farm, Sims Hill celebration food system Chew Magna 4pm onwards 16 July digest: The rise in popularity of farmers’ markets is shown by the 16% increase in 12–5pm Satuday 16 July Sims Hill Shared Harvest invites you to number of markets between 2009–10. come to the plot and celebrate the start of On Saturday 16 July The Community Farm Grocery stores, college cafeterias, and our first successful growing season and will be opening its doors to visitors as now even Walmart stores are trying to the imminent launch of our veg box scheme! part of the Chew Valley Lake Odyssey. The source more from local growers. Farm will be open between 12pm and 5pm. Venue: Sims Hill of course! Please go to http://tclocal.org/2011/06/relocalizing_ There will be a chance to meet the people the blog at http://simshillsharedharvest. investment_food.html involved, have a tour of the 22 acre site wordpress.com/how-to-find-us/ for a and hear about plans for the future as well map and directions to our lovely growing Anton Smedshaug’s definitive guide to as activities for children. site on Bristol’s Blue Finger of Grade 1 the oil-driven food crisis We have volunteer days and other events agricultural land. digest: The food crisis of the 19th century throughout the year. If you would like to What to bring: Food (including some for was averted by increased crop yields and find out more about these then please the BBQ!) and drink to share. We are also a transportation revolution. As fuel prices email [email protected] hoping to build a bonfire so bring guitars rise, however, food supply will be limited The Farm will soon be launching its annual and your best singing voices. Children are to what’s local. As governments are forced membership scheme entitling a 10% more than welcome. to commit land to biofuel production, food production will diminished. discount on organic veg box orders as well What’s happening: Farm tours, good food, as free entrance to volunteer days and socialising, and celebrating what happens www.businessinsider.com/smedshaug- events. For more details email when people come together around peak-oil-food-2011-5 [email protected] feeding Bristol from Bristol! Hoping to see www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk you there! London’s Community Farm – a crazy idea that might just work? digest: 35 acres including an existing veg farm and nursery, woodlands, farm shop, bungalow, glass houses and polytunnels. www.transitionnetwork.org/blogs/ben- brangwyn/2011-06/londons-community- farm-crazy-idea-might-just-work

Foodcycle: healthy meals for those in need digest: Turning surplus food into nutritious meals for people in need – there are many people for whom Foodcycle has Edible Landscapes Movement become a real lifeline. www.transitionnetwork.org/blogs/ben- So hopefully you’ve all heard of Edible involved in food growing/procurement/ brangwyn/2011-05/foodcycle-healthy- Landscapes Movement (ELM) up ‘ere cooking/bees etc in KW can support meals-those-need in Knowle West?! It’s a partnership each other. The group, working title, between Buried Treasure, Knowle West ‘Knowle West Food Hub’ have many The nutritional resilience approach to Media Centre and re: work. Long term ideas on how to work together but the food security unemployed volunteers with limited first shared project is making bee hives opportunities receive training in urban out of old disused school gym horses! digest: Nutritional resilience starts agriculture and digital media skills. The The group are looking at ways of using with mineral qualities of the soil and veg grown, in underused local gardens, mobile phone technology, creative extends to plant health and productivity, is sold back to the community through media and the community website to nutritional density of food, human the local veg box scheme. share what they are doing with the rest health and community viability, as well of the community, city and the Food as incorporating sustainable resource After providing local people with a veg Policy Council...watch this space... management and the resilience of the box for 17 weeks this year, ELM has been entire food system. stretching out its wings and looking at www.knowlewest.co.uk/projects/elm/ www.energybulletin.net/ how all organisations and people stories/2011-06-23/nutritional- resilience-approach-food-security

5 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 council news Bristol Food Conference 2011: Part 2 Central to the 2011 Food Conference was The video recordings from the conference are all available now. the launch of Bristol’s Food Policy Council. While these professionally diverse Wayne Roberts strategic groups are well established www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-iHRy_2j4c internationally, this is a UK first and the Lori Stahlbrand challenge is to innovate more sustainable www.youtube.com/watch?v=APw8_q6B-hc food systems for Bristol, supporting the Joy Carey outstanding achievements of numerous www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AGy_5pQg8cy individuals and organisations who have championed this agenda for many years. and Cllr Barbara Janke and the other food policy council members The initial idea of setting up a Bristol food www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7BaKucE8Kg policy council was sparked at the 2010 Food Conference by keynote speaker Prof Dr Karim Farag Dr Angela Raffle (NHS) Kevin Morgan. A survey followed to seek Lecturer in Food Production and Public Health consultant since 1984, feedback from the greater food network Technology at the Royal Agricultural Angela previously worked in clinical and the outline results were published in College. The College has been supportive medicine and overseas, her work covering the Jan/Feb 2011 edition of this newsletter of the recent food developments in the a range of policy areas. Since January 2010 see www.bristollocalfood.co.uk with the city. Providing guidance to Joy Carey in her role has been ‘Public Health Partner’ full report under News on developing her Who Feeds Bristol? report to Bristol City Council working on issues www.bristol.gov.uk/food and also running a seminar titled Zero relating to climate change and peak oil. Updates from the Bristol Food Policy Carbon Bristol with Bristol Green Capital Graham Keating Council will be presented in this newsletter. in 2010. Graham is the Director of Communications Sid Sharma for Yeo Valley, a -based, family- Food Policy Council members Sid has won a number of national awards owned farming and dairy business. Best which acknowledge his commitment to known for its Yeo Valley Organic brand, the Prof Kevin Morgan (Chair) providing sustainable food through his company now employs over 1,000 people. Professor of Governance and Development chain of Thali cafés. He was awarded Graham spent twelve years at Northern F. in the School of City and Regional Planning Bristol Food Champion at last year’s food He now chairs Organic South West Food & at Cardiff University, Kevin’s research conference. The Thali cafés serves healthy, Drink. interests revolve around four themes: locally sourced meals most of which are Kristin Sponsler n community regeneration based on family recipes passed down through generations of Sid’s family. Kristin is a core member of the Bristol n political devolution Food Network, a network of community n the role of cities and regions MarkKidner food interests around the city that she in innovation and sustainable Mark Kidner is owner of Kidner Organics, helped to develop. Their work is having development a food distribution company based at a great impact particularly on keeping n sustainable food systems in developed St Phillips market in Bristol. Mark brings people informed of all the great activity in and developing countries. valuable expertise in knowledge of the the city, particularly through the bimonthly His most recent publications include The food distribution market in the city and newsletter and the website: School Revolution: Public Food and the how it be supported to become more www.bristollocalfood.co.uk Challenge of Sustainable Development sustainable. Christine Marshall (Earthscan, 2008); Worlds of Food: Place, Barbara Janke Power and Provenance in the Food Chain Christine Marshall is Executive Director (, 2006); and Councillor Barbara Janke is the Leader of of South West Food & Drink. This is a Feeding the City: The Challenge of Urban Bristol City Council and has overseen the strategic, private sector-led organisation Food Planning (International Planning development of the Bristol Green Capital at the forefront of driving forward the food Studies, 2010). He is a member of the initiative since her initial commitment/ and drink sector at all levels. It works Food Ethics Council and a director of Fair challenge made in 2007. The sustainable with the food and drink chain – from Trade Wales. food agenda is part of a key “green/ the producer through to the trade end digital/economic development” theme user – to help it to do better business, to Tom Andrews being developed under Councillor Janke’s generate more jobs and build a stronger Tom Andrews is the Director of leader portfolio. local economy. SWFD identifies need Programmes at the Soil Association. and opportunity to develop and improve Amy Robinson The Soil Association have been really business performance within the sector supportive of sustainable food activity Vice Chair of Bristol Green Capital and works to design and fund the projects in the city, working with the council on Momentum Group, Amy is the former to achieve this. SWFD are working with the the original Food for Life pilot, actively Sustainability Manager for Bordeaux Quay, City Council and other public partners on promoting Food for Life locally. a leading ‘green’ restaurant in the city that developing a public sector sustainable has championed the sustainable food food procurement programme. agenda. Amy is also part of the core group of the Bristol food Network.

6 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 council news Bristol Food Conference 2011: cont

Local food heroines acknowledged At the end of the conference, Prof Morgan thanked Jane Stevenson, Joy Carey and Sharon Sexton for their substantial contribution to sustainable food in the city.

Sharon Sexton currently works for the Soil Association co-ordinating the Food for Life Partnership in the South West. Sharon was previously the City Council’s ‘Transforming School Meals’ Co-ordinator and is profiled in the Nov/Dec 2010 edition of the newsletter see Newsletter Archive at www.bristollocalfood.co.uk

Bridget Carter, with Cllr Janke and some of the pupils outside the Council House at the Jane Stevenson is the editor and designer start of the food conference. of Bristol’s Local Food Update newsletter which continues to attract ever more subscribers, pushing towards 1,000 at the Bristol’s 2011 food champion Recipe from Bridget, used at the food last count (quite a few subscribers then conference: Bridget Carter, the kitchen manager at cascade the newsletter to other networks). Waycroft Primary School in Stockwood, Jane moderates the Bristol Local Food was nominated by the schools’ pupils, Rhubarb & orange muffins Directory website for Bristol Friends of the along with four members of her catering Makes 20 large muffins Earth, and helped run ‘Local Food Week’ team, for the delicious and nutritious promotions in Bedminster in 2004 & 5. food, the friendliness of the staff, listening Ingredients You can watch Joy Carey, researcher and to what the children say and designing the 8oz of margarine author of Who Feeds Bristol present key menus accordingly. 8oz of demera sugar findings in the video at: 6 eggs The in-house team provide around 220 www.youtube.com/ 16oz self-raising flour (you can use meals every day for the children and staff watch?v=9AGy_5pQg8cy that are high quality, carefully thought ½ white and ½ wholemeal) out and excellent value at just £2. They ½ teaspoon of cinnamon even have a different theme day every 8oz tinned rhubarb (or fresh) Wednesday, such as ‘The Caribbean’, (pulped down) ‘World War 2, and ‘Dinosaurs’, with Grated zest of 2 oranges * themed menus including things such as Topping: dinosaur pie with mashed potato and 2oz oats brontosaurus broccoli, and the children 2oz demerara sugar are invited to bring in pictures they’ve drawn to illustrate the theme, with prizes Method being awarded to the best ones. Mix the margarine and sugar together, Cllr Janke said, “This award is designed to add the eggs, beat and add the flour, recognise an individual or team who has orange zest and rhubarb – mix fast shown great commitment to promoting until it has all come together, divide sustainable and healthy food. Bridget and into 20 muffin tins, sprinkle with oats her team received overwhelming support and sugar and bake. from the children at Waycroft School for Bake in an oven set at 200°C/400°F/ their school lunch service. In the past, Gas 6 for 20 minutes, or until golden school catering has been considered on top. the poor relation to restaurants and *For gingery muffins, replace zest of professional caterers, in terms of the Clockwise from top left: Sharon Sexton, 1 orange with ginger. quality of the food provided and service Jane Stevenson & Joy Carey. given. This award recognises that Bridget and her team’s skills are absolutely equal to anyone else working in the food profession. They do a fantastic job for the hundreds of children and staff that they cater for every day.”

7 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 council news Green Capital Community Challenge Fund update Food Interest Group profiles no.7 Many of you will have heard of the Community Challenge Fund which Sheena Huggins, Team Manager Elderly Persons is managed by Bristol Green Capital Partnership. Bristol’s communities have I worked as a social worker and latterly as some great ideas about how they could a Team Manager in the learning difficulties improve the city and make us a low division, prior to moving across to the carbon city with a high quality of life. Elderly Person’s Team in 2008. At present I This fund aims to help communities to am responsible for both homes and one of do more by providing funding, advice the ‘in house daycentres’ which provide a and support. service for people with dementia. I have a The grants are available for charities, particular interest in food and nutrition for voluntary and community based groups, adults with Dementia. and non-profit companies, based in, and At Rockwell Unit for people with dementia, working with communities in Bristol. the unit manager has started a ‘snack They must be able to demonstrate clear bar’ for residents, this is based on the community-led management. NB All knowledge that people with dementia funded projects will be monitored and wander and may graze on food, rather evaluated. than sitting down to 3 large meals a day. This project has worked well and I hope to The successful projects I have been employed by Bristol City introduce similar projects to other units. Food related projects who have received Council since 1993, I am currently funding from us are: employed as a Team manager with the Several of the homes are also assisting Elderly Person’s Team Based at Gleeson service users with various gardening n F3 – Making Local Food Happen – House in Fishponds. I moved from my projects, such as raised flower beds and developing a resilient food plan for original career as a nurse in 1993, to the small vegetable plots. These projects have Bristol role within the council as a residential proven to be very popular with residents n Sims Hill Shared Harvest an care officer working with young adults with and staff, and we hope to extend these innovative community supported learning difficulties and complex needs. gardening groups across all of the Elderly agriculture project in north Bristol Following qualification as a social worker, Person’s homes and daycentres. n Horfield & District Allotment Association who have also just received funding from the Big Lottery’s John Hilton, Principal Catering and Contracts Manager Local Food Programme and are now looking for a Community Project Joined Bristol City Council in July 2004. Worker (see p.23) Key roles: the management of front line n Tynings Field Community Farm – a services within Health & Social Care (HSC) great set up in Shirehampton with Learning difficulties and Older Persons plans for wildlife friendly, organic Services. growing Specialist experience, coming from over n Somali Resource Centre Community 30 years in catering service and logistics Allotment in St George operations. Ex service man/instructor n Project Agora in the beautiful walled served in ACC/RLC Royal Logistics garden in Barton Hill for 22.5 years. Lead role with HSC on n Buried Treasure – Fruit Trees for the business continuity programme, service Future in Knowle procurement and all hygiene-related matters. n Lockleaze Environment Group for ‘Green Lockleaze’ Voluntary Sector: Involved with the n Fareshare SouthWest for an electric National Association of Care Catering and bicycle to help redistribute the currently Chair for the South West Region. mountains of surplus food available each day that would otherwise end up in landfill Green Talk n Bristol Active Youth Service for GreenTalk is a not-for-profit initiative run by Climate Works Ltd and Bristol’s Green growing green Capital Partnership as part of Good Living Week. GreenTalk is grateful for financial support received from The Design Programme, The Environmental iNet and The The next round will be announced soon Creative Industries iNet. and the closing date for applications will be 31 August. If you would like to Green Talks films online include:The secret gardener – creating urban wild spaces. be notified when application forms are http://green-talk.info/films/ available send an email to: [email protected] with CCF R4 in the header.

8 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 Are any changes needed?

The report shows that Bristol has a wealth of local producers, wholesalers, processors, caterers and shopkeepers, and there is a strong network of community groups, organisations, and businesses interested in good, sustainably produced food. It also shows many opportunities for improvement. These relate to inefficiency of the food system in terms of energy use and carbon emissions, irreversible depletion of soil, water aquifers, biodiversity, mature rainforests, fossil fuels and essential minerals such as phosphates, and adverse impacts for health from poor quality food, and for the health and welfare of workers and animals. Fisheries are also at risk, although this has not been covered in the report. It advocates an approach known as ‘Food Systems Planning’ in order to build a Developing sustainablefood culture for the city that has the health offood people and planet systems at its heart. Joy Carey, Freelance Consultant

Joy Carey is a Bristol-based independent Transform Safeguard consultant on sustainable food systems Bristol’s diversity of and author of the recently published food culture food retail baseline research report Who feeds Bristol?: Towards a resilient food plan Support commissioned and supported by NHS community Safeguard food land Bristol and Bristol City Council. enterprise for food Joy has been involved in community models Food systems development and local food initiatives for over 20 years, in the early 90’s growing planning Asian and Caribbean vegetables in inner Increase Increase city Birmingham and later working with an markets process urban food organic box scheme in rural Norfolk. She for local food production joined the Soil Association in 1998 and producers & distribution from 2004–09 was Head of Local Food and Market Development. While at the Soil Protect key Redistribute Association she led work on re-localising infrastructure recycle & sustainable food systems around the for local food compost UK through building direct connections supply food waste between food producers and their customers (box schemes, farmers markets, community supported agriculture, local “I hope that the Who Feeds Bristol report greengrocers affects the fruit and veg food business networks and sourcing Thewill knowledge enable the in city’s the report,decision and makers what it tells uswholesale about actions market needed, in St Philips can now and how local and organic food for schools and beto used make by more everyone informed who decisions. cares about good food.vitally Work important has been the progressing wholesale market hospitals). She is currently involved behindUnderstanding the scenes the to bigger establish picture Bristol’s and newhow Foodis Policyfor south Council. Wales This and willSW England;be a or in managing research for the Making smallthe groupdifferent of committedelements of individualsthe food system with expertisewhy it and is so local much experience easier for independentrelating Local Food Work partnership to support to arefood inter-related production, is preparation,vitally important. distribution andbutchers retail. Under to supply the locally chairmanship reared meat of the future development of community Too often decisions are made about than it is for supermarkets. I hope that Professor Kevin Morgan from Cardiff University, the Food Policy Council will help food enterprises and in evaluation of one element of the food system without the suggestions for action will become a the Big Lottery Local Food Fund grants driveconsideration change. The for aim the isknock to make on impacts Bristol a city whereuseful eating umbrella and plan celebrating that we can all work programme. Joy has produced a film about sustainablythat decision produced, may have healthy on the food others. becomes somethingtowards – that it helps everyone to show is howproud a school to organic cotton farmers in India, is a policy beThat’s part of. why I chose to look in detail at each cook or a property developer or a Bristol advisor to the Soil Association and is on of the six main food system components. shopper each has a role. I believe that the Bristol Food Network steering group. ToIt’s keep clearer informed now how about the the loss huge of Bristol’s range of grassrootschange projects, happens policy faster initiatives,when we can all events, and business development work going onpull across together Bristol with you a clear can plan.sign upAs we know for Bristol’s ‘Local Food Update’ by visiting http://www.bristollocalfood.co.uk/the food system is complex and each of these areas needs addressing by lots of different people in different ways. I hope this simple plan will help all of us involved with food in Bristol to see more clearly how our particular activity fits into a bigger plan, and that it will therefore help us to coordinate our efforts.”

Suggestions for action – towards a resilient food plan “I’m really excited about the potential we have to create a ‘Bristol food garden city’ with an urban agriculture network that can link in with farmers in the city region. Here are just a few ideas that I put to the Green Leadership conference about how Bristol could create more jobs, develop skills and produce food commercially, all based around a simple focus on eating food which is cooked from scratch – fresh, seasonal, local, organic, produced and traded in an ethical way.” Joy Carey · [email protected]

9 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 A whole school approach Mat Jones

Children benefit from a whole school UWE evaluation of the FFLP project found: Teachers, students and parents said that approach to food, but will the message they saw the value in a programme that n More than twice as many FFLP primary get through? helped connect school food issues as schools received an Ofsted rating of matters of both health and sustainability. A whole school approach to food that outstanding following their participation This made a lot of sense for children who links practical food education with quality (37.2% compared to 17.3% outstanding took their learning from classroom to school dinners leads to a better family diet pre-enrolment). Headteachers reported dining hall and back to their homes. and can improve academic performance a positive impact on pupil behaviour, and behaviour. But in the current political attention and attainment. But just when positive outcomes highlight and economic climate, there’s no certainty n The programme is associated with the value of food culture, local authorities that this learning will fall on fertile ground. changes in eating habits; with an are having to cut school meal budgets (www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/cms-service/ The Food for Life Partnership (FFLP), a increase in the proportion of primary stream/asset/?asset_id=36036061) and project led by the Soil Association, was school-age children reporting eating five central government talks of a back-to- set up to encourage pupils and their portions of fruit or vegetables a day by 5 basics curriculum in which food may not parents to eat healthy food and learn how percentage points to 21 per cent (those be deemed a subject of much educational to cook it and grow it themselves. It also reporting eating four or more portions worth. So while food in school has come a reconnects families with farms and the rose by 12 percentage points to 49 per long way since the days of Jamie Oliver’s dilemmas of modern food production. cent). And 45 per cent of parents said School Dinners, there’s a real risk that UWE’s evaluation found that schools the family is eating more vegetables, good work is going to be undone. were rated more highly by inspectors with 43 per cent switching to healthier after taking part in the FFLP programme. and more sustainable choices in the Mat Jones · [email protected] It also showed that pupils’ interest in shopping basket. Institute for Sustainability, Health and healthy and sustainable foods was having n Disadvantaged pupils are benefiting: Environment, UWE an effect on their eating habits and their over a two-year period, free school meal www.uwe.ac.uk/ishe/ parents’ shopping habits. take-up went up 13 percentage points in Summary Report The project has proved popular, with over FFLP schools, 20.9 per cent in secondary https://eprints.uwe.ac.uk/14453/ 350 schools signed up to the scheme in schools, and by 21 per cent across the the South West. Nationally, more than board in schools achieving the FFLP Food for Life Partnership 3,600 schools are now members of the Silver or Gold award. www.foodforlife.org.uk/ programme which encourages them to n Inspectors have recognised the positive Soil Association ‘Food for Life’ work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold role of FFLP in supporting personal Co-ordinator Sharon Sexton levels of the Food for Life Partnership development and wellbeing: 67.1 per [email protected] award scheme. Over 2,800 schools now cent of schools felt the programme had serve Food for Life menus which are a clear impact on their Ofsted report in seasonal and freshly prepared with no terms of pupils’ personal development hydrogenated fats or battery eggs. and well-being.

10 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 Keep Whiteladies Road Local Simon Bennett

working on the idea of a large event to throw very soon – a ‘Keep Whiteladies Local’ day! where Whiteladies Road comes together with music, stalls, banners, food and of course people! The Evening Post has already expressed an interest and has published an article talking of the group’s work. Ultimately, the power to stop the supermarkets’ domination will not be achieved through violence, or through using legal channels. The power to stop the Supermarkets is in your wallet… It has been announced that both called ‘Keep Whiteladies Local’ and you ‘Purchase power’. It’s simple – choose Sainsbury’s and Tesco are planning to will find our online home at: to spend your money in the independent open a second store each on Whiteladies keepwhiteladieslocal.blogspot.com shops rather than in the corporate ones Road. Also on Facebook: www.facebook. – the supermarkets cannot last forever Sainsbury’s already have a large store com/?ref=home#!/home. making such loss. in Clifton Down Shopping Centre on php?sk=group_217177858315632 The success of this will encourage more Whiteladies, but are planning to open a It is a local resident and trader-led people to start investing back into their new one just above and across the street campaign, which has been growing rapidly own independent businesses again, from Tesco, in the former Woolworths since its recent launch. It is a peaceful, diversity will return to our streets and store – clearly trying to leapfrog their positive and pro-active campaign, communities will be re-united. rivals and catch footfall heading DOWN focusing on supporting the local, the road. In response it seems Tesco have It was stated that a third of all food in independent traders rather than simply decided to do the same at the other end of this country is wasted. People buy goods just opposing supermarkets. The vision Whiteladies Road... they are trying to open they have no need of and buy food they of the group is to unite the local residents a store opposite the BBC studios, thus will simply forget to eat. They do this and traders to give them a much stronger catching the footfall coming UP the hill because it’s so cheap and convenient voice and to encourage people to think before people reach Sainsbury’s. to do so. Convenient to have the food at about their shopping habits – where they hand, just in case they may decide they So to put it in perspective: there will be choose to spend their money. fancy eating it tomorrow. This way of living 2 x Sainsbury’s, 2 x Tescos and a Co-op. Saturday 4 June saw the first of many is completely unsustainable and these Wild rumours are also flying that Waitrose publications reaching people and people will have a great shock indeed and M&S want to move-in too, all in the independent shops – a flyer urging local when food shortages become apparent. space between the Downs and Clifton people to oppose Sainsbury’s alcohol Down… This isn’t even taking into account The ‘Keep Whiteladies Local’ campaign licence application. We greatly fear that all the supermarkets on the Triangle and needs all the help and support it can get there will be an alcohol price war between Park Street that follow directly on from right now, so if you can help in any way the rival supermarkets, which will result Whiteladies Road. and want to be active in the fight against in much lower alcohol prices – especially the supermarket invasion then please do Many local, independent shop owners if Sainsbury’s are granted the 24-hour not hesitate to get in contact. have invested their lives into their licence they have applied for. This may in businesses, not just with money, but turn contribute to greater binge drinking, …and remember, ‘Support you local with their hearts too. The argument and all the problems that go with it. traders… before they disappear forever.’ that supermarkets create new jobs is Many avenues of investigation and legal Simon Bennett completely flawed. How many jobs are protest are now underway. We are also Founder of Keep Whiteladies Local lost to make way for the supermarkets? Take into account not just the shop directly, but also its suppliers and other trade contacts. Where jobs should be in the supermarkets, there are now self service machines, saving lots of money on expensive staff and making the point of contact between the company and its customers completely non-existent. In response to the looming situation on Whiteladies Road, a campaign has been launched to tackle the problem. We are

11 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 The Bristol Pound – Money made for Bristol The plan is for Bristol to soon have its Secure: For individuals (Citizen Members) own currency, the Bristol Pound. n Notes printed on watermarked paper by If you’re a shopper, the £B benefits you by: specialist secure printers, incorporating “We’re proud of our city and its people. n Supporting independent and diverse a host of security features. The Bristol Pound is a powerful way to local traders. n All electronic accounts managed by join together and strengthen the city’s n Rewarding you with loyalty points, Bristol Credit Union on secure banking economy and communities. Money which can be spent or donated to good systems. operates through the whole supply chain, causes. and so we think can be a systemic driver of n All sterling deposits backing the n Bringing you special offers exclusive to change towards a sustainable economy.” system will be guaranteed by the UK £B users. Ciaran Mundy, Director, Bristol Pound government up to £85,000 per account holder. n Multiply the impact of your local What is it? spending. n No money can be taken out of the The Bristol Pound (£B) is real money system without security checks and any “In times of global financial uncertainty, made for Bristol. It is designed to support attempted fraud is highly traceable. together we have the power for our local independent Bristol traders, strengthening Innovative: economy to thrive.” the local economy and community. n Bristol businesses pioneering mobile Mark Burton, Bristol University Bristol Pounds can be spent using paper phone technology as the means of Supporters include: notes and mobile phone texts with every payment. Bristol Green Capital Momentum Group business that joins the scheme. Members n Payments from any mobile phone Bristol Credit Union will have an online account for making from any network making electronic Tobacco Factory web payments to any other member. payments accessible to nearly everyone The Canteen in Bristol. Bristol Pounds circulate in and around Bristol Brewing Co. Bristol, retaining and multiplying the Why use it? Bristol Ferry Co. benefit of every pound spent for ordinary Grain Barge n Take part in building Bristol’s diverse people and businesses. Bristol City Council and resilient economy. Trader membership is only available to nef (New Economics Foundation) n Help Bristol be a greener, fairer and businesses that are independently owned Tudor Trust more enjoyable place to live and work. and based in or around Bristol. Transition Network n Ensure that more of the money you Bristol Pounds are a powerful incentive for spend in Bristol stays here. people to buy from local traders, develop local supply chains and keep money For Business (Trader Members) circulating within the Bristol economy. If you’re an eligible local business, the They are not intended to fully replace Bristol Pound benefits you with: sterling but work alongside it. n Ensuring strong customer loyalty The Bristol Pound is a non-profit making n New customers that feel good about partnership between a Community your business Interest Company and Bristol Credit Union, n Competitive advantage against big a regulated and authorised financial nationals and multinationals services provider. Bristol Credit Union will manage all transactional aspects of the n Significant marketing and greater B currency. public awareness of your business £ n Helping you to find local suppliers, How does it work? or to supply other local businesses The Bristol Pound is easy yet secure and an A range of businesses have been Ciara Mundy innovative way to deliver customer loyalty. consulted and the system has been Bristol Pound, c/o Bristol Credit Union, Easy: designed to meet business needs: Cheltenham Road, Bristol BS6 5RW n Online account management n Immediate transfer of funds to your 0117 9230 5459 · [email protected] n Mobile phone payments for members business account upon payment. Find out more and get involved at n Immediate funds transfer on payment n Pay your Bristol City business rates in www.bristolpound.org n Anyone, not just members, can use the Bristol Pounds. notes as a way to pay. It’s a voluntary n If you need to, Bristol Pounds can be system, not legal tender. redeemed for sterling at Bristol Credit n Free membership. Union or through your online account (5% redemption charge applies).

12 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 Eat the Change Claire Milne

You may be aware that an exciting to explore where they source their food community, and helps transform people’s social shift is going on in the Stokes from. The survey will shape and inform relationships with food. By allowing Croft area of Bristol. Formerly known both the alternative supermarket and the members to make decisions about what for its massage parlours and shut up next stage of Eat the Change. food is sold, the community will become shop fronts, the past few years have involved in the real-life challenges that seen a blossoming of creativity, cultural Food For Mood exist when trying to source sustainable diversity and innovative projects and Food for Mood is an 8-week course food at affordable prices. This process businesses. Most of these, unlike the supporting people with mental health will usefully highlight just how unrealistic recent intrusion of Tesco, are grassroots difficulties to improve their wellbeing by supermarket prices are. organisations with the best interests of transforming their relationships with food The project will make ethical food the community at their core. – enabling them to make healthier and more affordable by getting members to more sustainable food choices. Bristol Food Hub, set up in 2007, has contribute a few pounds and hours a been instrumental in putting food on the Food is responsible for a third of climate month in return for a 10% discount on all agenda in Stokes Croft, and we have big change. Mental health problems cost products. plans unfolding. We imagine a community UK taxpayers some £1 billion each year What is so exciting about this project is where local, healthy food is available and research clearly shows the direct that it achieves several goals at the same at affordable prices, where people are relationship between food and mental time. It will not be another inaccessible engaged with and aware of where their health. Tackling one of these crises in health food shop, instead it will aim to sell food comes from and excited about the isolation from the other is to ignore ethical and locally produced organic food tastes and textures of a multicultural, the inherent link between the two. The at a reasonable price at the same time sustainable and independent food- solution to both these crises lies in as engaging with the local population. system. We imagine a community making a reconnection with nature so The store will be owned and controlled whose health is vibrant thanks to being that people become aware of our inherent by the people who are its members, nourished by seasonal food brimming interdependence. Food is an extremely creating a vital hub for the diverse set with nutrients. We are determined to help powerful entry-point and vehicle to enable of communities that exist in local area. create a new food system that will ensure this reconnection. The ethos of food sovereignty behind that our grandchildren are able to afford The unhealthy foods that play a large role this project is noticeable in that it aims a healthy diet. That’s the thrust of our in causing mental health problems are to achieve a balance between ensuring project Eat The Change. It’s over-ambitious also the very foods that tend to carry a a value-based consumer attitude to and we don’t care! heavy carbon footprint. Food for Mood food whilst not alienating deprived It all began in 2008 when Bristol Food Hub supports people to make simple changes communities that are usually priced out ran a pilot project challenging Bristolians that will improve their mental health at the of ethical choices. to eat only local organic food, free from same time as contributing to the creation The project is currently looking for viable plastic packaging, for a week. Hundreds of a more resilient food and farming premises, applying for funding and of people took up the challenge despite system that works in harmony with nature. carrying out local community research. the fact it was clear from the offset that We have already delivered this course with Membership subscriptions will be flexible, it was going to be very tricky indeed. The Rethink in Kingswood and Second Step, for example: difficulties people faced highlighted the and have applied for funding to roll it out £4/month + 4 hours volunteering time or gap between the appetite we have for with a range of other partners at the end of £16/month + 2 hours volunteering time local, organic food and its availability the Summer. in our community. Based on this initial How can you help? project, Eat The Change has transformed Alternative supermarket for Stokes Croft 1) Fill in the community food survey online: and grown to encompass three exciting There is a strong desire for an alternative www.surveymonkey.com/s/2RDBRC6 new areas of work: Eat The Change – model to the supermarkets currently (see ‘Surveys’ on p.22 for more details) the research phase, Food For Mood sweeping through Bristol, especially in and the development of an alternative Stokes Croft. This idea has been set upon 2) Survey your neighbours: Would you supermarket. by a group of committed local organisers be able to spare an evening or two to working in conjunction with the People’s survey your street? This would really help Eat The Change – The research phase Supermarket in London. us and would be an opportunity for you After evaluating the 2008 project, it (www.thepeoplessupermarket.org) to meet your neighbours and talk about became clear that in order to make real, food – who knows, it could even lead to a Our vision is to create a commercially lasting changes we needed to have a few new food co-ops springing up around sustainable social enterprise that achieves clearer picture of our community’s current Bristol! If you’re interested, contact its growth and profitability targets food choices – what do we buy?, where [email protected] whilst operating within values based on from?, and what are the underlying values community development and cohesion – 3) If you or the people you work with are and attitudes around food? In light of now and in the future. interested in Food For Mood please email this we are carrying out a new piece of [email protected] community research looking at exactly The intention is to offer an alternative these questions, shortly to be followed by food shop, which directly connects an research with local food shops and cafés urban community with the local farming

13 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 High Street Review Mary Portas has been appointed to lead Take action an independent review into the future of the High Street. Inquiry into Stokes Croft Proposed Bill to protect The purpose of the review will be Disturbances petition Grade 1 Agricultural Land to identify what government, local authorities and businesses can do The following petition is currently Please write to your MP and ask them to to promote the development of more available on the Bristol City Council support this bill . prosperous and diverse high streets. website: Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con): I beg It will also form part of the Government’s “We the undersigned call upon Bristol City to move, wider Growth Review which is examining Council to use all means open to them to That leave be given to bring in a Bill how we can remove the barriers to achieve lobby national government for a full public to prohibit local authorities granting strong, sustainable and balanced growth inquiry into the events leading up to and planning permission involving the that is more evenly shared across the including the disturbances in and around development of Grade 1 agricultural land country and between industries. the area of Stokes Croft, Bristol on the other than in exceptional circumstances; nights of the 21/22 April and 28/29 April. The review will: and for connected purposes. The violent disturbances on the dates of n Examine the case for developing town The Bill aims to reinstate the protection 21/22 April and 28/29 April are scenes centres that contribute to promoting that was in place when food production that should not be repeated in Bristol or economic growth, creating jobs and was one of our national security other cities. We the undersigned believe improving quality of life in local areas. considerations and was seen as a that the background to these events raises n Explore new business models for strategic asset. serious concerns in a number of national high streets relevant to the modern policy areas including, but not limited to The price of food should be making the consumer. the following: the impact of councils and future of productive land an important n Recommend what action government, planning processes on local communities; concern for us all. The Foresight report businesses and other organisations policing tactics; the role of very large on food security stresses that “the past should take to create diverse, corporations in local communities; century of low food prices is at an end.” sustainable high streets. housing provision and uses of derelict We must start to approach food security buildings. High streets are a very visible indicator with the same zeal that we approach of how well a local community and An independent inquiry, funded from energy security. Domestic energy supply economy is thriving. They are recognised national sources, with a broad remit must is seen as critical to our long-term energy as important hubs of social interaction be commissioned: security. and providers of employment and local n to present an unbiased chronology of I urge the Minister to take on board the commerce. the events of the two nights in question genuine importance of this Bill for wider The current recession has had a significant n to identify the true causes and long term economic and social needs, to recognise negative impact on a number of high factors leading up to and contributing to that the protection it offers grade 1 streets throughout England and the the disturbances agricultural land must be incorporated into Government would like to reverse this the national policy planning frameworks, n to analyse how the parties involved downward trend; working with retailers, and to ensure that food production is seen responded in the aftermath of the local government and others to improve as an increasingly important part of our disturbances the prosperity, diversity and social and domestic security. economic contribution of the high street to n to present recommendations to be our lives. taken on board by policy developers For the complete speech see: in the specific areas the report will www.publications.parliament. You can post your comments to Mary highlight uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/ Portas via the Department for Business cm110511/debtext/110511-0001. Innovation & Skills website. You are asked The aftermath of the disturbances is htm#11051175000002 to focus on the following issues: of ongoing concern to the residents of Stokes Croft and surrounding areas. It The MPs sponsoring the bill were Laura n What needs to be done? Sandys, Zac Goldsmith, Mr Tim Yeo, Mr is our strong belief that resolution can n How might it work? only be achieved via a public inquiry. Roger Gale, Caroline Lucas, Rebecca n Who could/should be involved? The findings of the inquiry will be of Harris, Bill Esterson, Elizabeth Truss, – central/local government? national significance and will help other Richard Drax, Priti Patel and Mr Dominic – local businesses? communities around the country.” Raab. – local partnerships? http://epetitions.bristol.gov. Find your MP at: – third sector local people? www.theyworkforyou.com/ uk/epetition_core/community/ n What attracts you to some high streets? petition/1531#div_sigs n What makes a high street a place you don’t want to go? n What new ideas could help to create more vibrant high streets?

www.bis.gov.uk/highstreet

14 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 Something is stirring in Somerset Linda Hull

This May, grassroots charity Somerset Community Food hosted its spring conference at The Magdalen Project near Chard. The day was a celebration of local food and facilitated networking between community groups, growers and landowners from South Somerset. ‘Growing Connections’ gave attendees the opportunity to gain new knowledge and the skills needed to make a sustain- able local food web a reality. Networking was high on the agenda, with landowners matched with those seeking land, and other groups working for similar aims.

At the Magdalen Project www. Bristol’s own Richard Spalding, senior Food-related courses and skills training do themagdalenproject.org.uk, participants lecturer in Human Geography at UWE, not escape Foodmapper’s attention either. were treated to an in-depth tour of the rounded up the day with some maps of the Demand for land can also be plotted and, working farm to see its diverse and Grade 1 agricultural land around Yeovil, all told, Foodmapper is truly painting productive sustainable approaches in which is currently poised to be developed a picture of where local food stands in action. Workshops were available for for housing. This sobering reality check Somerset. A new improved OS base layer those looking for land on how to improve served to remind us all of the need to will aid mapping and the search for access their searches and landowners were also guard such a precious resource and to land, showing as it does, the farm given the chance to find out about the defend it from inappropriate use. Indeed, names, locations of schools and churches myriad of positive reasons to make land one loud message from the conference and other publicly owned land that could available for community use. can be encapsulated in a quote from Tim be good sources of a growing patch. Experienced smallholders and gardeners Lang in the recent Looking Back, Looking “We can note where the waiting lists are, led workshops on how to make the most Forward report on food policy from the we can see which areas are unlikely to of whatever growing space is available, Sustainable Development Commission: have access to fresh, local veg. Basically be that containers or ¼ of an acre. Kim “For politicians not to address food as if we can get this map filled then it can Robinson from Somerset Country Markets a key element of the national interest… become a tool for everyone – consumers www.somersetcountrymarkets.co.uk would be a dereliction of duty.” Our wanting to buy local, families wanting to and Roger White from Somerset Local next Growing Connections event will take get growing, councils and planners Food Direct www.sfmdirect.co.uk talked place in West Somerset during Exmoor wanting to improve access to land, local about how and where to sell excess Food Festival (1–9 October 2012) exact development workers, you name it, “ produce, using a variety of methods date to be confirmed. For up to date says Linda, “If we don’t know what we’ve from local markets, to box schemes and information on our autumn Conference already got, how will we know what we selling online. Feedback from the event and to download presentations from the need?” has marked it as a success, with nearly day at Magdalen visit: everyone saying they had made at least www.somersetcommunityfood.org.uk So basically, the gist of it is – people of one new contact to potentially work with Somerset, fill this map! Make it yours and Now that the spring conference is done in the future. make it come alive, because it’s about and dusted, it’s time to ask what next for our right to food, it’s about food security local food action in Somerset? Linda Hull, and resilience for our community. We who co-ordinates Somerset Land and are looking for volunteers, Transitioners, Food, has been working with volunteers to passionate gardeners, WI members, explore this question. schools – anyone, who can spare some “It’s time to get this map filled!” says time to upload their knowledge of the Linda. She’s talking about FoodMapper local food web around them. www.foodmapper.org.uk – the For more information, or to arrange a organisation’s collaborative effort with workshop or talk on Foodmapper and software developers Geofutures food security in Somerset, contact: www.geofutures.com, which is slowly [email protected] but surely mapping all of the community or call 01749 678770. growing spaces in Somerset. Users can register and add their knowledge of local If you live outside Somerset and would allotments, community gardens, school like to use Foodmapper to record your Who knows who you’ll get talking to over a growing projects as well as initiatives such own local food webs, please contact delicious organic lunch sourced with food as food co-operatives and local food retail [email protected] footsteps? outlets and markets.

15 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 Following the Plot no.7 Keith Cowling

Now that the summer solstice is behind us, allotment sites are bursting with beans and peas, new potatoes, salads and early soft fruit, and the smell of barbecues pervades weekend afternoons. The plots that seem to have coped best with the Spring drought followed by a cool wet June have been those with a high humus content in their soil. Most allotmenteers aspire to grow in humus- rich soil, of course, but achieving this on Bristol’s sticky clays can take years of dedicated cultivation and the hauling of much compost, manure and leaf mould. But fertility and humus content can also be built without imported nutrients using green manures that grow right on the plot member of the legume family which fixes worms in the soil, that attack potato crops, from seed or plant offsets. nitrogen from the air in nodules on its but it is also a member of the cabbage In essence, green manures are plants roots. Tares grow a good bulk of material family so a risky crop in a plot that has a that are grown primarily to add structure between late Summer and early Spring, known club root problem. and nutrients to the soil rather than but they are not so good at suppressing Other Summer green manure species for food. A wide range of plant types weeds as rye and are loved by rabbits include phacelia, agricultural lupins are used, especially by organic farmers when food is scarce. and buckwheat. All have good weed- and gardeners, but several species are Green manuring does not sit too suppressing qualities and attract bees particularly useful on allotments to comfortably with no-dig systems of and hover flies, which are important fix nitrogen, gather nutrients from the gardening but it is possible to cut rye and green fly predators. But perhaps the most subsoil, build humus and deal with tares as shallow turfs, which are then interesting species is tagetes minuta, a weeds. Green manures compete for merely turned over and covered with a relative of the french marigold. It is not space on crowded plots, so allotmenteers light top dressing without disturbing the really ‘minuta’ at all, growing often to a particularly value those that grow well main soil structure. Another species that height of two and half metres, so is strictly over the winter period, when most food involves no digging is Russian Comfrey, more of a compost crop than a true green crops have finished and space is at less which is planted as offsets and remains manure. Its interesting quality however of a premium. Foremost among these is in a permanent bed year after year, is that its root secretions are able to Hungarian grazing rye. Not the rye from producing three or four cuts of potash- suppress pernicious perennial weeds. It is which Ryvita is made, but a variety called rich foliage annually. Comfrey can use particularly effective against ground elder, Lovazpatoni, specially bred for animal really raw sources of nitrogen, like pigeon convolvulus and couch grass, some of the fodder in a climate colder than ours. manure or human urine, and convert it most intractable weeds that infect Bristol Rye is sown after food crops are cleared into an ideal fertiliser for potash-hungry allotments. The seed is broadcast thinly in the late Summer and early Autumn. The crops like potatoes, tomatoes and soft over the plot and when the subsequent end of the first week in October seems fruit. The unique qualities of comfrey plants reach 2 metres they can achieve to be an effective last date in Bristol. It were pioneered by the charity the Henry a complete kill of these problem weeds will then grow right through the winter Doubleday Research Association – now without the need for chemicals. It also has cold and reach a height of around 60cm called ‘Garden Organic’ – and lots of a useful soil-conditioning effect on heavy by the following mid April, suppressing information on comfrey cultivation and clays and delivers a mass of material for early weeds. By then, the nitrogen-rich use can be found on its web site. the compost heap. shoots can easily be dug in before new For plot holders with plenty of room, Most green manure seeds, including potatoes, spring cabbages or early or those that fail to get the whole plot all those mentioned, are available from carrots. Plot holders with room to spare planted up with vegetables, there is a Garden Organic. (Riverside Garden Centre can leave it growing and take two cuts for range of plants suitable for green manure also stock a good selection.) the compost heap and dig in the roots use over the summer season. Mustard is in August. Alternatively, a small area left www.organiccatalog.com/catalog/ the traditional Summer green manure for uncut will produce seed for next year and www.riversidegardencentre.com/ cottage gardeners, growing more bulk than the experience of a mini grain harvest with any Summer weed and setting seed very a grass hook. Keith Cowling · [email protected] late. It is therefore ideal for growing bulk Ashley Vale Allotments Association Other over-Winter crops can be sown humus in its 10 week growing cycle, to www.ashleyvaleallotmentsassociation. specifically to fix nitrogen and the most incorporate into your soil. Mustard is also org/index.php useful of these is perhaps winter tares, a useful in combating the build up of eel

16 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 Events Voscur Training Making the most of the media Jamie Oliver’s Big Feastival Big Green Weekend at 9.30am–3.30pm Thursday 7 July 2011 1–3 July Tyntesfield Venue TBC Clapham Common 9 & 10 July £55 Full Members, £75 Associate £35–£65 per day Tyntesfield, the estate Members, £125 Non Members Delicious food from London’s top a few miles outside Bristol, offers free Now more than ever, organisations restaurants at just £5 a dish, and summer admission if you walk, cycle or travel there need a high public profile to promote sounds from an all-star music line-up. by bus over the weekend of 9–10 July. themselves more effectively to existing Renowned chefs in The Big Kitchen A chance to explore the walled kitchen and potential supporters, volunteers, and inspiration in the Kitchen Garden. garden and munch some local food trustees and grant givers. With music on 2 festival stages, vintage prepared in the new kitchen. makeovers from a new-wave WI tent and Our new training workshop will help our Little Dudes Den, The Big Feastival is a www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w- you make the most of the media to big day out for the whole family. events-find_event.htm?propertyID=706 do just that, giving you the skills you &Period=Three+months need to boost your chances of winning www.jamieoliver.com/thebigfeastival/ regular and positive editorial coverage whats-on/the-kitchen-garden/ in newspapers, radio, TV and websites. Love Food Festival The workshop will include: 10.30am–4pm Sunday 17 July A Bristol-wide ideas exchange: n How the media works and how to Paintworks, Brislington BS4 3EH Campaigning to support local work with the media food outlets and controlling Love Food market, street food, children’s n What makes a news story n The importance of case studies and large-chain supermarket café, afternoon tea, herb garden, wine tasting, local ale & cider, cookery school. “quotes” development n Press release and case study writing www.lovefoodfestival.com 7pm Sunday 3 July skills n Trinity Community Centre, Trinity Road, The power of photos and video n BS2 ONW World and Community Cinema: Using social media to raise awareness Hosted by Bristol Green Parties, come and ‘Whose Croft?’ www.voscur.org/civicrm/event/ meet campaigners from across the city. For 7–9pm Thursday 21 July info?reset=1&id=363& more information, contact: Zion Bristol, Bishopsworth Road, [email protected] Bedminster Down BS13 7JW www.bristol247.com/2011/06/16/ A short documentary about the battle The funding mix: tony-dyer-you-think-we-have-too-many- for integrity in Stokes Croft. Interviews Diversifying your funding supermarkets-in-bristol-think-again/ from both Pro development and No 9.30am–4pm 20 July 2011 development campaigns in the area. Venue TBC Footage shot over the Easter period £55 Full Members, £75 Associate Transition Glastonbury covering the long disputed ‘No Tesco’ Members, £125 Non Members permaculture film screening campaign and before and after the local 7.30pm Tuesday 5 July riots. Followed by a talk by The Peoples Voluntary and community sector (VCS) Tor Leisure Supermarket and accompanied by locally organisations are faced with ever produced food and drink available to try. increasing funding demands and have A film showing of the newly released to think creatively about funding their www.zionbristol.co.uk documentary – Permaculture: The Growing work. This sesson will help staff or Edge. Following the film will be a talk trustees, who have some experience from local world-renowned permaculture Frenchay & Hambrook of raising funds, to consider how they designer, Patrick Whitefield. can maximise their opportunities for http://patrickwhitefield.co.uk/ Horticultural Society: raising funds. This interactive day will Frenchay Flower Show The film showcases examples of inspiring, cover: effective projects including cleaning 2pm onwards Saturday 16 July n The importance of a range of funding up oil spills with mushrooms, inner city Frenchay Village Hall, Friends Meeting options gardening, natural building and edible House and Frenchay Common n Identifying different funding sources playgrounds. £2.50 and the pros and cons n Watch a trailer here: 36 different competition categories for Trading options n http://youtu.be/WVtfYP3jCu4 vegetable, 6 for fruit –out of a massive Planning processes n Costing and pricing your services www.belili.org/permaculture/ total of 219. Download your entry form: n Action planning Permaculture_GrowingEdge.html www.frenchayflowershow.co.uk/ www.transitionglastonbury.org.uk www.voscur.org/civicrm/event/ info?reset=1&id=365

17 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 Windmill Hill City Farm …more events Farm Friends events 12–4pm Saturday 9 July Bristol Harbour Festival Celebrating Age Festival 2011 Big Farm Swish A clothes swapping event for women of all shapes and Friday 29–Sunday 31 July 30 August–3 September sizes who are aged 16 and over. £2 for The Bristol Harbour Festival is Bristol’s The Festival is one of the only events Farm Friends, otherwise £5. biggest cultural event and one of the specifically for older people and has run 16 July biggest free festivals in the country. Bristol successfully for the past four years. The Farm and Gardens Tour Meet all the Green Capital are building on the success Festival comprises a week-long series of animals, find out more about farming, of last year’s ‘Village Fayre’, to bring fun activities which take place across the see the exciting new developments in an extended ‘Good Living Zone’ to the city, including taster sessions, city walks, the farm and gardens. Free for Farm amphitheatre. dance classes and tea parties. Friends, otherwise £1.

The Good Living Zone Our fringe week of events culminates in 18 August our finale day in Colston Hall which will The West Country Food Market and Bar RSPB talk Preparing your garden for play host to a number of information boasts excellent local food, crafts traders autumn birds and Q&A stands, arts & crafts stalls, and our and locally brewed beer. Celebrating Age Fashion Show. There will 20 August The Community Garden showing how to also be a number of performances on the Organic Garden and Allotment create a beautiful, wildlife friendly space day including a set by eleven piece swing Growing in an urban setting. and jive band – The Regular Joes. Details TBC

The Gert Yurt A beautiful space with a If you would like to get involved, either www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/ superb selection of workshops, including by putting on a fringe event activity or events.html ‘Animal’s Made From Vegetables’, exhibiting on the day, just call Claire on Farm Friends scheme ‘Puppet making’, ‘Creative Drawing’ and 0117 927 6614 for further information – the skillshares; where people who have a Festival would like to have an organisation Windmill Hill City Farm has launched great skill offer it up for others to learn for on board which could give advice on an exciting new scheme called ‘Farm free. allotments and growing. Friends’ which will allow you to become part of the Windmill Hill City www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk/ Farm family. amphitheatre/amphitheatre.php South These are the benefits you will receive Local Food & Drink Festival 2011 by joining our network of like-minded 7th Bristol Cider Festivall 23 September–9 October people: n 10% discount in the Farm’s café Friday 5 August: 7.30–11.30pm New for this 7th year of the Festival, are Sat 6 August: 11am–4pm & 7.30–11.30pm a school’s curriculum-based learning n members-only events including Clock Tower Yard, Temple Meads, Bristol activity and farm visit as well as a couple family days, learning days, farm BS1 6QH of restaurants and pubs joining in first tours and day trips £7 advance, £8 on the door time. You can also join in a wild food n specially designed activity cards for Over 100 ciders and perries including foraging walk, learn to cook, decorate cup families and children award-winning ciders from Lilley’s Cider cakes and loads more. n seasonal recipe cards – great for Barn, Ben Crossman’s, Rich’s, Thatchers, For more information contact Val Harding, budding or experienced cooks Broadoak and Heck’s (Somerset), Gwatkin Council: n invitations to lecture evenings, film (Herefordshire), Gwynt Y Ddraig (Wales), e-mail: [email protected] screenings and talks and Mr. Whiteheads (Hampshire). or phone 01454 863883 n regular updates via Farm Friends www.somersetmade.co.uk/ newsletters and emails ciderfestivals/festival.php Ashley Vale Allotment Assoc. n the chance to become more involved in the Farm, from volunteering 2nd annual Produce Show opportunities, to finding out about Great Dorset Chilli Festival Sunday 25 September events, to meeting like-minded 13 and 14 August St Werburghs City Farm people Kingston Lacy, Wimborne, n The Ashley Vale Allotment Association early access to courses and hire Dorset BH21 4EA will be holding its second annual Produce rooms £6 advance, £7.50 on the gate Show in association with the St Werburghs n a full year of amazing, educational Chilli plants and seeds, sauces, jams, Art Trail on Sunday 25 September at its Farm Friends events relishes and oils, exciting local food event space behind St Werburghs City n access to special offers and produce. Chilli sauce competition, chilli Farm. All local gardeners and allotment competitions eating competition, hot food, music. holders are welcome to enter their Vibrant flavours, vibrant colours, vibrant produce. Show classes will be posted on www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/ atmosphere. the Association’s site notices and website: farm-friends.html

www.greatdorsetchillifestival.co.uk www.ashleyvaleallotmentsassociation.org

18 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 Conferences

Transition Network including looking at health impact Farming Together UK Conference 2011 assessments and incorporating health The Future of CSA in the UK considerations in the determination of 8–11 July planning applications. 9am–5.30pm 16 September 2011 Liverpool Hope University @-Bristol, Harbourside, Anchor Road, £110 + accommodation and meals Themes will include: Bristol BS1 5DB n Retail diversity and supermarkets £18 CSAs and individuals This year’s conference aims to provide £42 Organisations knowledge, tools and understanding to n Healthy food environments help us live well in uncertain times. We’ll n Land use for urban and commercial food Organised by the Soil Association all share our successes and challenges, production The day will provide an opportunity hopes and fears, our questions and For more information or to book a place for CSA enterprises to come together answers. We’re planning an innovative email: [email protected] or call the to experience being part of a bigger structure and processes that enable Sustain office on 0207 837 1228 movement, to network on a local, regional each of us to get better at operating in and national scale, to share good practice group environments – a crucial skill as www.localactiononfood.org and be inspired. our transition journeys move into an increasingly uncertain future. When you International speakers will provide us with leave the conference, you’ll have new Green and Away a wider perspective on scaling up and connections, insights and skills that Let’s Grow Food! connecting together. And finally we’ll be will make both you and your transition looking at the future potential for CSA in initiative stronger for the times ahead. Eight Steps back to the Land the UK: Where can it go? How will it look? 22–24 July · Near Worcester Who will be involved? www.transitionnetwork.org/conference- £120 Concessions £80 2011-uk n Keynote speech by Elizabeth Henderson WANTED – a million new farmers for n The big picture of CSA in the UK Britain. If we are to feed ourselves well in n Celebrating the diversity of CSA farms Food and Spatial Planning: the long term without wrecking the rest n International perspectives How planning can support a of the world then we need small, mixed, n Planning for the future healthy and sustainable food labour intensive, farms that are basically n Financing the enterprises of the future organic. n The Way Forward system So why shouldn’t you grow food, as a www.soilassociation.org/csaconference. 10am–3.30pm Friday 15 July 2011 farmer or as an allotment holder? If it’s aspx Pearson Building Lecture Theatre, crossed your mind that the agrarian life University College London WC1E 6BT is for you, then come along and find out £20 Member of Local Action on Food and about the easy steps to getting back to the concessions · £40 Members of the RTPI · land. Come to Green & Away and learn why £50 Full price it is vital to start growing food and how to Organised by Local Action on Food and the go about it – from people who are already Royal Town Planning Institute. showing the way. Spatial planning in our towns, cities and The programme includes: countryside shapes the food system, from n Colin Tudge (Author of Feeding People influencing our food shopping and eating is Easy) speaking about his proposals to habits, to safe-guarding agricultural land get people back to the land for production and allocating spaces for n Jenny Jones Greater London Authority urban food growing. This event will explore Green Party member speaking about how planners, food and community Cultivating the Capital and getting more organisations can use planning policy food grown in London to help create a more sustainable food system. n Mary Clear from Incredible Edible Todmordon where they are already Kevin Morgan, chair of Bristol Food Policy farming the town Council (see p 7) is talking, along with Carolyn Steel the author of Hungry City. Also Tom Curtis from Landshare; Ed Hamer from Reclaim the Fields; Nick Snelgar Stephen Hewitt, Specialist Professional from Future Farms; Catherine Vint, farmer; Planner with Bristol City Council’s and Sam Henderson from Farmshop in Strategic Policy Team (see Jan/Feb 2011 Hackney. food newsletter p.2 for full profile www. bristollocalfood.co.uk) will be doing a www.greenandaway.org/page. workshop on healthy urban environments, cfm?pageid=ga-home

19 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 Courses …with Ragmans Lane Farm …with the Low-impact living Smallholder taster day Ragman’s Lane Farm, Lydbrook, initiative (LILI) 10am–4pm 12 August · £120 Gloucestershire GL17 9PA For all course information: or weekend course 3–4 September · £195 www.ragmans.co.uk/courses/courselist. http://lowimpact.org/venues_south_ Nr Thornbury, South Gloucestershire html west.html Not sure where to start? Come and look round a smallholding and discuss land Permaculture Skill Sharing and Beekeeping for beginners requirements, time commitment, skills & knowledge needed. The tutor, Jules Moore, Networking Open Day or · £120 10am–4pm Friday 1 July 17 Aug has done it herself from scratch, and can Nr Thornbury, South Gloucestershire 10am–4pm Saturday 2 July · £6 talk with experience of what you need to An opportunity to visit Ragmans Lane Farm We will cover the fundamental aspects of know. recognising and handling bees safely, how a 60 acre organic farm where permaculture We will look at all the livestock in turn – to look after them to maximise health and principles have been applied to its work hens, ducks, sheep, cattle, pigs and bees honey production and a full discussion and use of the land over the last 20 years. – with a look at what keeping each type of the beekeeping calendar. There will entails. Then we will guide you through The Open Day will include: be practical sessions on putting a hive the process of deciding where to start and n a tour of the farm together & making frames and guidance what you need to do next. n skill demonstrations and practicals in on equipment & where to buy it. cultivating mushrooms on logs, tool sharpening Seed saving Building an earth oven n talks about setting up and maintaining a 10am–4pm 13 August · £60 · £60 diverse organic orchard and everything 10am–5pm 2 July Windmill Hill City Farm, Bristol you want to know about willow but had Windmill Hill City Farm, Bristol A one-day workshop for those new to never thought to ask! This course is run by Ken Neal, who has seed-saving, concentrating on small-scale been building earth ovens and running There will be a session by the home seed-saving without the need for courses for LILI for several years. This Permaculture Association about the LAND special equipment, other than what can course will teach you how to build a small (Learning and Network Demonstration) be found or made at home. Project and a facilitated networking cob oven suitable for cooking pizzas and session to hook people up with each dishes requiring a cooking time of up to The course is run by Pippa Rosen who other or with similar questions to share one hour. runs the organic seed business Beans and experience and ideas. Herbs at The Herbary. She has been a herb grower for 20 years and now specialises in Hens for the garden organic seed crop production. …with Shift Bristol 10am–1pm 22 July · £45 Nr Thornbury, South Gloucestershire Organic gardening Practical Sustainability Course This half-day course is designed to 10am–4pm 10 September · £60 give you a complete introduction to 1 year, 2 and a half days per week, Windmill Hill City Farm, Bristol based in St Werburghs keeping hens in your garden. We keep a wide variety of birds in small and large The aim of this course is to introduce This course brings together some of the systems for you to meet and consider. beginners to organic food growing, most experienced tutors and practitioners This is a combination of theory, practice enthusing them to grow their own food. in the UK to explore the practicalities and demonstration with plenty of On the course you will mix potting of community led sustainability. opportunities to meet and handle hens. Modules include Permaculture, Organic compost, sow a variety of edible plant Horticulture, Soil and Ecology, Woodland seeds, write a plan to grow a variety Management, Green Building, Energy, Starting with poultry & of vegetables from seedlings to edible plants, and afterwards you will be able to Group Dynamics, Relocalisation, waterfowl Community Engagement and more. discuss different soil properties, identify 10am–1pm 30 July · £120 common pests and pest control methods Tutors include Patrick Whitefield, Tim Nr Thornbury, South Gloucestershire and recognise common plant diseases. Foster, Sarah Pugh, Ben Law, Mike Gardener, Dr Chris Johnstone, Glennie A complete introduction to keeping hens, Kindred, Nick Osborne and many others. ducks and geese. Whether you just want to have a few pretty birds in the garden Places still available. or whether you plan to be self-sufficient. www.shiftbristol.org.uk We look at the breeds available, options for housing, handling, feeding and healthcare. We advise you on protecting your birds from predators and selling eggs or hatching your own chicks or ducklings.

20 bristol’s local food update · may–june 2011 Publications Growing a Better Future Save and grow: A policymaker’s Food Security, Nutrition and Oxfam guide to the sustainable Sustainability intensification of smallholder The global food system works only for £29.99 crop production the few – for most of us it is broken. It As the threats of food insecurity loom leaves the billions of us who consume Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN ever larger, the world faces the sad irony food lacking sufficient power and of food shortages in the global South The 1960s Green Revolution in agriculture knowledge about what we buy and eat alongside a purported ‘obesity epidemic’ saved an estimated one billion people and the majority of small food producers in the global North. The twin issues of from famine. Thanks to high-yielding crop disempowered and unable to fulfil their food production and food access are of varieties, irrigation, agrochemicals and productive potential. particular concern in the context of climate modern management techniques, farmers change, ‘peak oil’, biofuels, and land The failure of the system flows from in developing countries increased food grabs by wealthy nations. failures of government – failures to production from 800 million tonnes to regulate, to correct, to protect, to resist, more than 2.2 billion tonnes between Food Security, Nutrition and Sustainability to invest – which mean that companies, 1961 and 2000. Those achievements came offers critical insights by international interest groups, and elites are able to at a cost. In many countries, decades of scholars, with chapters on global food plunder resources and to redirect flows of intensive cropping have degraded fertile security, supermarket power, new finance, knowledge, and food. land and depleted groundwater, provoked technologies, and sustainability. The book This report describes a new age of pest upsurges, eroded biodiversity, also assesses the contributions of diet growing crisis: food price spikes and and polluted air, soil and water. As the and nutrition research in building socially oil price hikes, devastating weather world population rises to a projected 9.2 just and environmentally sustainable events, financial meltdowns, and billion in 2050, farmers face a series of food systems and provides policy global contagion. Behind each of unprecedented, intersecting challenges: recommendations to improve the health these, slow-burn crises smoulder: increasing competition for land and water, and environmental status of contemporary creeping and insidious climate change, rising fuel and fertilizer prices, and the agri-food systems. impact of climate change. growing inequality, chronic hunger and www.earthscan.co.uk/?tabid=102809 vulnerability, the erosion of our natural In order to grow, agriculture must learn resources. to save. Sustainable crop production The report urges world leaders to: intensification can be summed up in Good planning for good food: the words “save and grow”. Sustainable How the planning system in n increase transparency in commodities intensification means a productive markets and regulate futures markets England can support healthy agriculture that conserves and enhances and sustainable food n scale up food reserves natural resources. It uses an ecosystem n end policies promoting biofuels approach that draws on nature’s Spatial planning directly affects the food n invest in smallholder farmers, especially contribution to crop growth – soil organic system from decisions to protect land for women matter, water flow regulation, pollination farming, to giving planning permission and natural predation of pests – and for food retailing and waste management www.oxfam.org.uk/resources/papers/ applies appropriate external inputs at the facilities to encouraging urban food growing-better-future.html right time, in the right amount. production. www.fao.org/ag/save-and-grow/ This report from Sustain explores how Key role of rural women in local authorities and communities can use achieving food security planning policy and decisions to create Fair Food: Growing a healthy, more local and sustainable food systems. The background paper provides an sustainable food system for all overview of rural women’s role in www.sustainweb.org/ agriculture and food security. It shares An enlightening and inspiring guide to publications/?id=192 some of the challenges they face as food changing not only what we eat, but how producers and providers. It also highlights food is grown, packaged, delivered, and their leadership and the need to invest sold. more in programmes that will have more www.fairfoodbook.org/ of a direct impact on their lives. It offers some areas of work and common positions that can be further developed by the EU in its commitment to gender equality and rural development.

www.wocan.org/content/view/key- role-of-rural-women-in-achieving-food- security.html

21 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 More publications Surveys Measuring impact for Food Connect organic tomatoes Assuring food security in community food enterprises Food Connect is a supplier specialising developing countries under the in sourcing fresh, local and seasonal challenges of climate change: Why do we need to measure what produce from within a 5 hour transport we do? What do we need to measure? Key trade and development How do we measure? journey of Brisbane. It teamed up with issues of a fundamental Arup to undertake a lifecycle assessment Making Local Food Work has of its organic tomatoes. The study finds transformation of agriculture commissioned a piece of work to that the breakdown of emissions for the UN Conference on Trade & Development help community food enterprises find life cycle of the tomatoes are as follows: out what impact your work has and For a large number of developing demonstrate that impact to others. n 4% production inputs countries, agriculture remains the single MLFW would like anybody who is n 3% production most important sector. Climate change interested in sharing their experiences n 32% packaging has the potential to damage irreversibly (good and bad) of measuring impact to n 9% distribution the natural resources on which agriculture get in touch with us about participating n 46% storage and preparation in depends, with grave consequences for in this process. There will be two consumption (i.e. cooking) food security. Agriculture is the most opportunities: n 6% wastage important emitter of global greenhouse n Giving your views in a telephone gases (more important than all energy- The study finds that a focus on waste interview management, packaging and consumer intensive industries together and even n Attending a workshop (Exeter, 15 July) behaviour are likely to be more cost bigger than the power sector). However, to test the tool we will be developing, efficient than seeking to improve agriculture also has the potential to to ensure it meets your needs. efficencies in transport, storage and farm transcend from being a problem to becoming an essential part of the solution operations. It says that it’s easier and www.surveymonkey.com/s/ to climate change, provided there is a more affordable to avoid and recycle food CommunityFoodEnterpriseContacts waste and to eat tomatoes raw rather than more holistic vision of food security, cooking them than it is to put solar panels agricultural mitigation, climate-change on a tractor or greenhouse. adaptation and agriculture’s pro-poor Community Food development contribution. http://brisbane.foodconnect.com.au/ A survey for Bristol Food Hub to gauge wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ARUP- www.unctad.org/en/docs/osgdp20111_ where our community is at with their Tomato-report.pdf en.pdf values, motivations and attitudes to food, and how this transfers into their shopping choices. The survey forms the “observe and interact” phase of Bristol Food Hub’s Eat the Change project, and will help us to design a Land project to increase the sustainability and resilience of our food supply chains. is demonstrating growing productivity Smallholdings Once we have collected responses from and viability (environmental, social community members, we will then go on If you are interested in self-building an and economic), ELC would apply for a to survey local traders about where they eco-home, establishing a land-based permanent permission. ELC will work source their food from. livelihood and being part of a pioneering with tenants to help ensure that sites eco-hamlet and co-operative this could develop in this way. www.surveymonkey.com/s/2RDBRC6 be for you. The Ecological Land Co-operative (ELC) is seeking 3 tenants The holdings will be allocated through for their first 3 residential smallholdings an application process. Those interested Attitudes to CSAs for new entrants to ecological are asked to complete an application Please help us to find out more about agriculture. form and if short-listed, develop a business plan for their land-based public attitudes and experiences of Holdings range from approx. 6–9 business. Application forms are to be Community Supported Agriculture(CSA) acres each. The leaseholds will cost submitted by end of day 19 July. There’s by taking part in one of our brief surveys, £60,000–£65,000 (depending on plot). more info at www.ecologicalland.coop even – especially – if you’ve never heard This includes use of a shared barn, or call Zoe on 07963 955 338. about CSA before! It should only take water supply, and biological waste water 5 to 10 minutes. To thank you for your treatment. help, you’ll receive a discount code for books from Earthscan, a leading The plots will be sold with a five year Land wanted publisher of environmental books, and temporary planning permission for Land needed for food growing to supply you’ll be entered into a prize draw for a agricultural residency – tenants would restaurant co-op ( http://the-runcible- selection of books. Survey closes third have permission to build a low impact ) If you know of any in or spoon.com/ week of July. temporary dwelling. Before the five years near Bristol please contact Ollie on has elapsed and assuming the project [email protected] http://j.mp/surveycsa

22 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 Odds & ends Jobs Low Carbon Farming Project The PEA awards Box Bush opportunity The Soil Association has launched a Nominations close 31 August Miles Bradley from Box Bush Farm new Low Carbon Farming Project to help The People and Environment Awards for is urgently looking for a friendly farmers reduce carbon emissions and Business (PEABs) celebrate how green and engaging individual to sell his improve the resource efficiency of their initiatives can be good for business apple juices on Farmers markets farms. The project will identify user- as well as the planet. The Awards will each Saturday in and around North friendly carbon foot printing tools and highlight the people who are creating Somerset. He is looking for someone provide a benchmarking facility along with Britain’s greenest businesses, who enthusiastic about local produce to information, advice, and detailed case understand and respect the planet’s represent his small orchard and sell studies. There will be a number of low precious resources and are prepared to his traditionally made apple juices carbon workshops and on-farm training make changes today to improve future on his Box Bush Farm stall. Hours are events in the coming months, open to all well-being. Award categories include: likely to be Saturdays 9am–1pm plus interested farmers and growers. The Soil an hour to both set up and close down Association needs to collect carbon foot n Community Interest Company Award and a longer day at the monthly Wells printing data from different farms and is n Food & Drink Award Market from 9am–3.30pm. Pay likely looking for farmers to get involved. n Retail Award to be in the region of £6–£7p/hr and n Social Enterprise Award will need to be able to drive. For more www.soilassociation.org/News/ n Supply Chain Champion information or to discuss this position NewsItem/tabid/91/ArticleId/2137/ please call Miles on 01934 822356 Soil-Association-launches-Low-Carbon- www.peabusinessawards.com Farming-Project.aspx Bristol Wood Recycling Project Community Project Worker MyFarm Bristol Wood Recycling Project a ‘not for Closing date: Friday 15 July 2011 The National Trust are looking for up to profit’ social enterprise working with Horfield and District Allotment 10,000 people to take part in a mass volunteers, are offering raised beds for Association has established a new on-line public farming experiment where food growing made up of old scaffold community growing project, with they will make key decisions at a working planks. These are 1.1 metre square, cost funding from The Big Lottery’s farm at Wimpole in Cambridgeshire. The £22 each for a 1-plank, approx. 22cm-deep Local Food Fund and Bristol City MyFarm experiment aims to connect raised bed, +£18 per additional 22cm Council’s Green Capital Fund. They thousands of people with how food is layers (which stack on top). The beds are are looking for a worker to take the produced by giving them a greater say ideal for small gardens and allotments. project forward. The project is funded in how a real working farm is run. The Other sizes can be made to order by until March 2014, and will create Farm Manager will set monthly options phoning 0117 9723219 emailing Mike the a community allotment and forest for the 10,000 Farmers, who will debate workshop manager [email protected]. garden. and vote on issues including whether to uk or calling round at 13 Cattle Market The Community Project Worker will grow wheat, barley or oats as part of the Road, St Philips, Monday–Saturday. work with a wide range of community autumn sowing, through to which animals Local delivery costs start at £10, and so groups and volunteers to engage to buy and rear. For their £30 subscription long as there is a single delivery drop and support them in food growing fee, Farmers will get a daily behind-the- off, bulk purchases by groups of friends activities. The project aims to increase scenes insight into how the 1,200 acre and neighbours can be especially cost the skills and confidence of local organic farm operates, the right to make effective. Also available are picnic people in growing food through decisions on the farm by voting, and a benches and tables. volunteering and training. There is an family ticket to visit the farm. www.bwrp.org.uk emphasis on involving people with www.my-farm.org.uk physical and/or mental ill-health and people with learning difficulties. ‘Homegrown’ Organic Garden A DIY guide to wicking beds Management Job details will be available from the Federation of City Farms & Community Wicking beds are anincreasingly popular Garden Maintenance, Veggie Patch Gardens’ website from 27 June. way to grow vegetables. They are self- Creations, Homegrown food workshops. contained raised beds with built-in Andy Bending BSc Hons, Dip GD, Cert PD www.farmgarden.org.uk/about-us/

reservoirs that supply water from the [email protected] jobs bottom up – changing how, and how 07943495158 much, you water your beds.This guide shows some examples and provides ideas Baker for Stokes Croft and instructions for creating your own. A property owner in Stokes Croft would like to find a baker to occupy www.energybulletin.net/ its premises. For further information stories/2011-05-31/bottom-diy-guide- please email eva.stuetzenberger@ wicking-beds destinationbristol.co.uk

23 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011 Regular things Eastside Roots volunteer days Metford Road Community Royate Hill Community Orchard Stapleton Road Train Station Orchard Day Regular monthly workdays 10.30am–4.30pm Wednesdays & Fridays Usually third Sunday of the month 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month Trinity Community Arts Centre garden 11am–4pm (drop by anytime, but cleaning 12 noon–5pm every Thursday If you are not a member but just fancy up starts around 3pm) volunteering as a one-off then do please Improve your local community, meet new get in touch – or come along to see what’s As well as the fruit trees, we also plant friends, learn new skills and keep fit. involved. Meet at Metford Road Gates vegetables, and whoever shows up for Email: [email protected] (green metal gate in between numbers 37 workdays when there is a harvest, gets to take food home. Drinks available, bring www.eastsideroots.org.uk and 39) at about 11.30am, bring gardening gloves. There should be a notice on the snacks to share. Tools and gardening gate telling you a mobile number to ring gloves provided. There is also a compost GROFUN Action Weekends if we’re already there, and we’ll come toilet at the orchard. Everybody welcome, Ashley Vale Allotments, St Werburghs and let you in. If there’s no notice, and regardless of experience. Every week, from noon Saturdays & nobody there – you’re the first, be patient! For more information: Sundays If you’ve never been before then you can www.kebelecoop.org/?page_id=28 ring Joe on 07840 059079 to tell us you’re Ashley Vale Allotments are just behind The coming. Map at: www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/ Farm pub, Hopetoun Road, St Werburghs. content/Environment-Planning/Parks- Drag on your wellies and come and give an www.sustainableredland.org.uk/what- and-open-spaces/allotments/allotment- hour or two. Refreshments provided. can-i-do/metford-road-community- viewer.en?XSL=search&MapId=24&Sear Phone Nadia 0797 3847894 for more info. orchard chText=Royate%20Hill&SearchId=3

Regular markets Tobacco Factory Market Now on Facebook! Corner of Raleigh Road/North Street, Bristol’s local food update is now on Bristol Farmers’ Market Southville, Sundays 10am–2.30pm Corn Street, Wednesdays 9.30am–2.30pm Facebook. Westbury-on-Trym Market www.facebook.com/ Harbourside Market Medical Centre Car Park, Westbury Hill, Every weekend outside the Watershed pages/Bristols-local-food- 4th Saturday of the month, 9am–1pm 11am–4pm. update/117246931647992?created#!/ (except December) pages/Bristols-local-food- Long Ashton Village Market Whiteladies Road Market update/117246931647992?v=info Long Ashton Village Hall, 1st Saturday of Corner of Whiteladies Road and Apsley the month 9.30am–1pm. Road, 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month,

Slow Food Market Corn Street, 8.30am–2pm Bristol’s local food update sAVe THe GReen BelT sPeciAl may–june 2009

HEN hundreds of us last year took the Eat the Change challenge and tried to spend a Save our soils – use our soils weekW eating only local, organic food free Richard Spalding 1st Sunday of the month 10am–3pm from plastic packaging, we discovered just how limited local sustainable food It is great to hear that in the near future is. There are myriad reasons for this, but we might see beef cattle grazing historic the reality remains that with fossil fuels Stoke park as Bristol City Council begin likely to become extremely scarce within to think through reconnections between our lifetimes and food miles contributing town and countryside. I would want to so intensely to climate change, we will

soon have little choice but to produce the camera lens up and over this idyllic most of our food locally. In light of this, scene to settle on “the Blue Finger”. it is essential that we start preparing Smallholdings in Frenchay now by ring fencing land for sustainable I have coined this phrase to get us all food production now. thinking about high quality agricultural the M32 becoming an edible landscape land on the north Bristol fringe which for the city. It would be a beacon for a Transition Network is beginning to used to be at the heart of what was called new AGRI-CULTURE which would help to explore how Britain can best feed itself, the Bristol Dairying and Market Garden nourish our bellies and our communities. analysing Britain’s land potential for Sub-Region. We can follow a blue [colour- It would mark the beginning of a truly food production in light of nutritional coded] fi nger of high quality soils on the sustainable agriculture which reconnects needs, climate change, fl ood predictions, 1953 Agricultural Land Classifi cation map people and the land. It would celebrate Some of the content for this soil quality, population densities etc. But Making local food work newsletter of England and Wales which shows a strip the importance of city and countryside what is already overwhelmingly obvious of fertile land stretching from Frenchay, working together to deliver food security. is that we will need every inch of land through Hambrook and Winterbourne and Impossible you say? suitable for food production, in both the out into open country. The post Second countryside and cities, if we are going to One thing is certain in my mind; the idea War assessment of land and soil quality be able to feed ourselves in the future. of covering up the best farm land in the shows just how such land was valued as a country with city extensions, park and This edition of Bristol’s Local Food strategically important resource under the rides and notions of green infrastructure Update shines the spotlight on how banner of “Best and Most Versatile” soils need to be challenged, in order that food newsletter is taken from the following www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk Bristol’s Green Belt and agricultural for local food production. produced from these soils takes its right - hinterlands are increasingly being given The soils are deep, red, largely stone- ful place at the discussion table. There are over to development in the pursuit of free and close to the city. They have the some signs that we are beginning to think further economic growth (largely in capacity to help feed us, especially in the again about the importance of the soil and response to central government targets), context of climate change, peak oil and the land to ALL our futures and I would like despite the increasing imperative to food insecurity. The soils themselves now to see Bristol and South Gloucestershire save our soils for food production. lie largely derelict, the market gardens Councils working together to enable the The Avon Green Belt, an area fi ve times having fallen prey to the global food re-creation of the food economies on and e-newsletters: the size of Bristol and predominantly economy and the land now de-valued for around the “Blue Finger”. classifi ed as farmland (but much of food production. We need to audit this I am very keen to establish a wide-ranging which currently lies fallow) is being private and public land to establish just set of debates about this topic and am increasingly earmarked by Local how possible it might be to re-create a convinced that it might be possible to Authorities for developments such local foodscape for our region. Food Climate Research network begin looking forward to another, and as 117,000 new houses in the South There is much to gain from doing this arguably more important, “dig for victory” West. We all need to act now to ensure and my campaign seeks to mobilise campaign. I sense that the cattle of Stoke that Bristol City Council ring fences all another “dig for victory” campaign Park might just be the idea that sparks suitable land for food production: read to allow food communities, new food a new and regionally important symbol on and stay in touch to fi nd out how to businesses and all of us eaters to begin around which to secure and re-invent our make your voice heard. the process of re-shaping our local food local foodscapes. If you want to contribute Claire Milne culture. I have a vision for this foodscape to this debate, then please contact me at: Soil Association e-news www.fcrn.org.uk Transition Bristol and Bristol Food Hub which sees the northern gateway along [email protected] www.soilassociation.org/ Contact Tara Garnett TodaysNewsLogin/tabid/639/Default. [email protected] Bristol’s local food update aspx LACORS Food Vision newsletter If you didn’t receive this PDF by email, you can send a subscription request for future Garden Organic e-news www.foodvision.gov.uk/pages/ issues to be sent direct to you, to: www.gardenorganic.org.uk/e-news/ publications [email protected] sign_up.php F3 Local food news Subscribers will be e-mailed a maximum Urban Agriculture newsletter www.localfood.org.uk/index.html of three times between issues of the www.sustainweb.org/cityharvest/ newsletter, with any event information Voscur that missed the deadline. newsletter/ www.voscur.org/news This issue of Bristol’s local food update Growing Schools newsletter was compiled by Jane Stevenson, Food Lovers Britain www.growingschools.org.uk Dorothy Greaves and Kristin Sponsler. www.foodloversbritain.com/register/ Design by Jane Stevenson: Community supported agriculture register.php www.janestevensondesign.co.uk & organic buying groups project Defra’s SD scene newsletter The views expressed in this newsletter newsletter http://sd.defra.gov.uk/subscribe/ are not necessarily endorsed by the City Email: [email protected] Council.

24 bristol’s local food update · july–august 2011