BRISTOL FOOD NETWORK Bristol’s local food update2015 community project news · courses · publications · events march–april Get Growing Trail 2015
Spring is coming! All my shiny new veg seed packets are We are getting going with this year’s n Get more people involved with optimistically lined-up, and ‘Get Growing Garden Trail’ – our growing their own food, either through of course it’s hailing outside! 5th annual community garden open volunteering or education. weekend, to be held over 6–7 June. Spring is a great time to get If your project has not signed-up yet, or others involved with growing Last year the Trail saw 33 productive you would like to talk through what taking too, and we have some exciting sites open their gates to the public. part entails, please contact Caitlyn Jones new initiatives and events Groups taking part included community ([email protected]) or Jane coming up, which can help us orchards and gardens, allotments and Stevenson. There is no cost to take part in the Trail! You can choose your opening do more of that. Let’s get even smallholdings, city farms and market gardens. Sites ranged in size from Grow hours – anything from a couple of hours more of Bristol growing. Bristol’s experimental aquaponics and up to the whole weekend. Groups will Please email any suggestions for the hydroponics, housed within a shipping benefit from the shared spotlights of the May–June newsletter by 13 April to: container on the former Diesel site at Trail, Big Green Week, the Chelsea Fringe, [email protected]. Temple Meads, up to Feed Bristol’s and Bristol European Green Capital 2015 – 8 acres of wildlife-friendly veg growing so if that doesn’t bring in the volunteers, in Stapleton. My highlights of 2014 I don’t know what will! included the exuberant polytunnel veg We would like groups to register an at Let’s Grow! in Knowle, the extra cute expression of interest to take part by pygmy goats at Bramble Farm, and the 6 March, with a final deadline for secret garden being reclaimed from the inclusion in the printed guide of 27 March. undergrowth at Blaise Castle. Bristol’s local food update is produced There will be a pre-Trail evening get- by Bristol Food Network CIC, with support The main aims of the Trail are to: together for participating groups in May. from Bristol City Council. n Showcase different ways of organising If you are involved in other food activities Bristol Food Network CIC supports, informs and connects individuals, community communal growing and harvesting, so such as foraging, cooking, education, projects, organisations and businesses new growers can see what would suit etc, or if you have a growing-type project who share a vision to transform Bristol them. To either get involved with that you’d like to get off-the-ground, please into a sustainable food city. project, or to take the model away to get in touch and we’ll try to make the right Registered office: 7 Queen Square, Bristol BS1 4JE set up something similar elsewhere connections. A Community Interest Company, Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England and Wales. n Enable participating projects to recruit Jane Stevenson Registration no. 8838348. volunteers and members [email protected] Making Things Happen in Greater Bedminster Ben Barker
This is an invitation to the Bristol Food Network to come to Bedminster during Make Sunday Special in Chelsea Fringe 2015 and beyond. Groups in BS3 will be Bedminster The alternative garden promoting a wide range of activities. Until now these events have been Here are three examples. festival restricted to the city centre. In 2015 they will also take place in four off-centre 16 May–7 June 2015 Let’s Walk Bedminster venues including Bedminster. The theme Now in its fourth year, the Chelsea for our day is Sports, Games and Exercise, Fringe has established an international This is a Green Capital strategic project but that does not mean that food related reputation as an alternative gardening to redress the environmental balance activities cannot be represented. We will festival in the UK and beyond – towards pedestrians, especially older, be closing the lower end of North Street celebrating everything from guerilla disabled and very young people who (between Greville Road and Cannon gardening, community projects, are discriminated against by the current Street) to traffic as well as using local large-scale installations, performance situation. We will be clearing obstacles green spaces such as Dame Emily Park. art, food events, street happenings, from pavements and improving the look We think that the date will be 14 June, but performances and much more in of streets with planting, art work, signage this has yet to be confirmed by Bristol City between. It’s an open-access fringe etc. We are also interested in better Council. Local food outlets will be open festival, which means that if it’s about walking destinations including green and there will be lots of opportunities to plants, gardens, flowers or landscape, space improvements. meet and engage with local people around and it’s interesting or original and wider food issues. quirky – then it’s in. Bedminster Skills Week We have an open-access platform and our team of friendly volunteers We started this as an experiment in 2014 will help facilitate and advise by inviting organisations and individuals individuals and groups in the to propose a ‘skill’ that they might creation of exciting and innovative present. Our task was to bundle these up horticultural interventions, community and publicize them. We ended up with Greater Bedminster Community initiatives, art happenings, walks, about 100 skills ranging from learn the Partnership, c/o Southville Centre, talks, exhibitions and other events. ukulele to join a tapestry group and help Beauley Road, BS3 1QG Participants are exciting, original, make a wildlife garden. We are doing it eclectic, inclusive and push the again in May (9–17). We found that it’s an www.southvillecentre.org.uk/news-2/ boundaries of what is usually effective way to raise public awareness projects.html considered appropriate in garden/ and recruit new participants. We are If you are interested in finding out more landscape design. assembling this year’s programme now, about these or other events in BS3, so don’t delay. contact [email protected] This years festival runs from May 16 to June 7: that’s 22 days, four weekends and one Bank Holiday Monday to fill with exciting gardening projects and events. At this stage we are inviting individuals and organisations, first- timers and Fringe veterans, to register their interest and to discuss what they might like to do. Please get in touch with us via email: chelsea.fringe. [email protected] if you would like to be involved and do forward this on to anyone else who you think might be interested.
ChelseaFringe.com @chelseafringe
← North Street road closure.
2 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 Hobbs House Bakers Carol Stephenson of Leigh Court Farm Luke Hassell of The Story Group Local producers come together to offer a fresh approach to food shopping Florence Batten-Turner
For the first time, dozens of farmers, with supermarkets on some fresh produce fishermen, makers and bakers in and that proves the savings available each around Bristol are selling and delivering week. their fresh local produce to homes and By reducing food miles, cutting out offices at least twice a week in all BS the middle men and delivering food postcodes via fresh-range.com. immediately, fresh-range virtually This is a very new kind of food shopping eliminates the need for physical stores experience for Bristol and Bath. The and so can keep the cost down for fresh-range online store makes it easy for customers. To fill any availability gaps out with our organic chicken, lamb and pork. customers to choose the freshest foods of season, imported fresh food is marked It’s brilliant that customers can buy from direct from local producers, and have with a globe stamp, for full provenance so many local producers like us all in one them delivered to their door. Food with transparency. place like this.” the fresh-range stamp is baked, caught, fresh-range offers an exceptional range Delivery starts at only £1, in sustainable cooked, cut, laid, picked or produced just of unique food and drink from dozens of packaging that keeps food fresh until you before being delivered. local, often award-winning, producers at want to unpack it. Chilled foods come Whilst The Guardian reported in January lower and fairer prices. Organic and non- packed in recyclable outer cardboard 2015 that supermarkets are paying some organic produce is on offer and includes packaging insulated with Woolcool lining. UK dairy farmers as little as 19p a litre, meat from The Story Organic, fruit and This is British sheep’s wool that farmers local producers earn the majority of the vegetables from Leigh Court Farm, freshly otherwise struggle to find a market for. retail price on fresh-range.com. Midway baked bread from Hobbs House Bakery, Outer packaging is reused and recycled up Dairy in Somerset and Somerset Dairy salad leaves from The Severn Project, milk to six times. This is one of the ways that using Godminster Farm’s organic milk in from Midway Farm Dairy and much, much fresh-range keeps its delivery prices and Bruton both receive more than double this more. carbon footprint low. amount. You can read details of where every piece Anna Herbert from Hobbs House Bakery Founder Rich Osborn says: “It’s all about of meat, egg or dairy product comes from says “We are so pleased to be working the freshest possible food, transparency to discover more about the practices of with fresh-range, we believe that our and value. fresh-range makes it easy the farm. Meat producers have the highest handmade bread is for everyone. fresh- to browse foods from a wide range of animal welfare standards including range’s new exciting delivery system producers, and gives you confidence that Soil Association organic producers and makes this possible, you can now receive the producers are earning the majority RSPCA Freedom Foods, and every fish can our handmade bread lovingly baked in of the retail price. Meanwhile, such a be traced to a well-vetted fishery using Chipping Sodbury to your door.” direct supply chain means you can receive responsible fishing methods including To order from fresh-range, visit the website fresher foods at lower prices.” quotas. and start shopping! Delivery is available Foods with the fresh-range stamp can Luke Hasell from The Story Organic, for all BS and BA1/BA2 postcodes at least be delivered within hours of them being Runner-up of BBC Farmer of the Year 2014, twice a week. received from the local producers. This says “We’re selling on fresh-range.com www.fresh-range.com is how fresh-range can regularly beat because it enables more people to enjoy supermarket prices on many of its fresh our pasture fed 30-day dry aged organic foods, offering an online price comparison beef from our farm in Chew Magna, along
3 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 Read more online
Eat For Victory! How the great food war will be won What can we learn from the diet and lifestyle of the 1940’s? digest: As in most wars, the crucial Clare Millar struggle in the food war (between Big Ag and Organic) is the one inside What is Eat For Victory? people’s heads. And that the great food war will be won by the side that Eat for Victory is a Bristol based Nutrition understands that and uses it best. Consultancy run by me, Clare Millar, a qualified Nutritional Therapist with a www.independentsciencenews.org/ penchant for the 1940’s era. It’s about environment/how-the-great-food- inspiring people to cook, shop and eat war-will-be-won/ more healthily and sustainably using some of the diet and lifestyle approaches Denmark launches ‘most ambitious’ of the 1940’s. organic plan digest: The Ministry of Food, Why the 1940’s? Agriculture and Fisheries in Denmark I believe the solutions for today’s diet has launched a new strategy to and lifestyle problems lie not so much in double organic farming by 2020 forward thinking but in looking back at compared to 2007, and to serve what has gone before us, during a time of more organic food in national public austerity, when we were known to be at n The soil was in better condition institutions – some 800,000 meals our healthiest. n People ate foods that were in season every single day. and immediately available to them How is the 1940’s relevant to our lives www.thelocal.dk/20150130/ now? n We exercised more because petrol denmark-announces-most- was rationed and many jobs involved I am interested in this period because ambitious-organic-plan physical labour. This also meant I believe a lot of the problems we stronger connections to nature which, Bees in danger: Epidemic of colony encounter today can be solved with a bit as we know, plays a fundamental part collapses is linked to stressed out of old fashioned ‘make do and mend’. in good health and wellbeing honeybees The wartime diet and lifestyle approaches digest: The sharp decline in can not only help combat some of the n Community networks were strong honeybees has been linked with a modern dilemmas I frequently hear of, My month on rations change in the foraging behaviour of such as “I don’t have time to cook” and young bees brought on by some kind “I can’t afford to eat healthily”, they also A year ago I put it all to the test and spent of environmental stress – with hives provide a set of comprehensive guidelines one month ‘living on rations’. I based my being forced to leave all the work to to live a happy, healthy, sustainable eating around the foods that were rationed the young and inexperienced. life by. In my opinion, the answer to the during WW2. I ate only local, seasonal, organic produce and I didn’t set foot in nation’s health and budget problems www.independent.co.uk/ a supermarket once. I used absolutely does not lie in buying cheap food, but environment/bees-in-danger- every part of my food, be it vegetable rather opting for sustainable, nutrient epidemic-of-colony-collapses- or animal. I restricted my luxury goods dense food and using it wisely. is-linked-to-stressed-out- such as chocolate, coffee and wine, by honeybees-10034491.html What can we learn form the 1940’s? giving myself what I called ‘a black market n We were producing the majority of our spend’ of £5 per week. I made use of my Seed libraries fight for the right food nationally (we now import around leftovers and didn’t buy more of anything, to share 40% of our total food). until I had used it all. My expenditure on digest: Amid government crackdown, food cost me £5.04 per day in total, for all n We cooked everything from scratch seed libraries expand biodiversity 3 meals, all of which were organic. and food access. n There were no processed or fast foods other than the odd tin of SPAM and a How can Eat For Victory help you? www.shareable.net/blog/seed- scattering of fish and chip shops I run nutrition workshops and a libraries-fight-for-the-right-to- n There was limited choice – some foods consultancy service for local businesses share were rationed, which, as it happens, and organisations. I have spoken at turned out to be the ones we should be conferences and at UWE, as well as Ocean plastic is likely disappearing eating in moderation anyway, such as providing nutrition programmes for elderly into the food chain sugar, sweets, dairy, meat care homes. If you want to hear more digest: Huge quantities of plastic are entering the ocean. Since much of it n Wastage was illegal. (we now waste about Eat For Victory you can tune in to isn’t accounted for, we should be around 40% of our food). The BBC Radio Four Food Programme: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04dh397 concerned about where it’s ending up. n There was a big drive towards local or log onto my website where you can food production and growing your own. www.theguardian.com/vital- access my ration blog and sign up to the Every piece of land including parks and signs/2015/feb/12/science-plastic- Eat For Victory newsletter. recreational areas were converted for oceans-study-fish-pollution-worse food production www.eatforvictory.co.uk
4 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 Woodcroft Community Orchard Nicole Daw
In spring 2012 Woodcroft Community Our main aims this year include orchard, BS4 was born. A year later continuing to experiment on the best over 50 fruit trees were planted, these method for creating a wild flower meadow, include; Apple, Pear, Plum, Damson, creating a series of communal seasonal Gage, Mulberry, Quince, Elder and a raised beds, perfect for keen growers range of soft fruits. who do not have the time to take on a whole allotment plot alone, and starting A further two years on this community a community composting scheme. We project has been handed over to a core are also always open to new ideas from group of local residents. This group of anyone who would like to get involved. individuals now lead the project, making decisions together on the direction the Our regular work days start at 10am on orchard should take whilst understanding the first Saturday of the month. Those the needs and interests of the local area. that come along enjoy the fruits of their The orchard is now going from strength to labours, in fruit and veg(!) as well as strength and we are ready to welcome our meeting new and friendly people in a first fruitful year. To celebrate the orchard fun and relaxed atmosphere. Over time coming of age, and Bristol’s Green Capital there is nothing more satisfying than year, we are planning to run a series of seeing how the orchard progresses and growing based events for all to come along continues to supply us with delicious and enjoy, as well as our regular work day seasonal food! Workdays include varying which happens on the first Saturday of the seasonal activities from grass cutting month. using traditional methods, planting and weeding, harvesting crops, and We start this Easter Saturday with a family creating new raised beds. During the Easter Egg Hunt. From Hill Lawn, just off summer months, and when the weather Allison Road, BS4, enjoy a short trail as harvest celebrations and community allows, we really do make a day of it, all through the beautiful Nightingale Valley days. An increase in numbers will give coming together for lunch to share ideas before solving the clues and finding your us the opportunity to help reflect the on new projects and current trends in way to your egg at Woodcroft orchard. You community’s needs. We want the area growing techniques whilst soaking up the can stay for as long as you like enjoying to be a hub of creativity in the BS4 area sunshine. Even if you just have an hour or the fruit trees in blossom. Perhaps you giving people the opportunity to learn so free, any assistance is appreciated. might even like to help us out for an hour new skills such as fruit tree pruning, fruit or so whilst you are there. We will have We aim to be a fantastic place for people and vegetable growing and traditional plenty to do including kids activities, to learn about food growing, share stories preserving, as well as providing a safe strawberry planting and cake eating. and skills, a place for children to be close environment for people of all ages to come to nature and feel secure and relaxed, together and learn about the variety of Later in the year we hope to hold a for parents to have some space from the local wildlife. Being involved in a project summer fete where local people can join hectic life, for mature residents to relax like this has proven to have many benefits us for soft fruit picking, including loads of and share wisdom with the community. for all involved, including: increasing strawberries, and help with the building of health and wellbeing, increased social our community allotment. Fingers crossed To make this happen we need involvement interaction and community unity, better the autumn will see the opportunity to from local people to organise the group, understanding of food production and harvest a bounty of fruit and vegetables take roles in the project, decide on the potential to reduce your food bills. It’s to share with the local community too. direction, aims and objectives and to also a wonderful way to help preserve our Regular orchard goers are now experts in continue to design and steer the project city’s green spaces. making strawberry jam, apple chutney and well into the future. The dream is a healthy a multitude of different baked goods all diverse edible landscape, and all the For more information check out our blog: from food collected for free from the site. possible activities associated with it, such https://woodcroftcommunityorchard. wordpress.com/ Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ WoodcroftCommunityOrchard or drop Andy an email on [email protected]
5 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 Read more online A positive solution The price of milk digest: Experiencing at first hand the economic impact of the climate in to food waste which dairy farmers are operating. http://sustainablefoodtrust.org/ Food waste. We are all aware of it and articles/price-milk/ yet still we hear more and more about how, whilst families rely on food 4 innovative community food banks and more and more community projects empowering low-income partnerships are coming together to residents help people in need, food is turned back digest: Urban farms, school gardens, into the land and supermarkets throw school lunch programs and more, food away. most in need it could make a significant these groups are alleviating food Food Route is set to help to change this. social and economic impact. insecurity and building food justice in Using the miracles of technology, food America. The collaboration between FareShare that is destined for landfill will instead South West, neighbourly.com, and http://ecowatch.com/2015/01/05/ be redistributed to community groups Incredible Edible Bristol, working food-projects-empower-residents/ and charities that can use the food to alongside other groups, brings a fully feed people in a myriad of ways. It is vital Land concentration, land grabbing comprehensive knowledge of Bristol’s is that we ensure the food is not sent and people’s struggles in Europe food scene to the project, as well as a to landfill, where food put into the bin wider knowledge of the food waste world digest: The hidden scandal of how a inevitably end ups. Food will go to those and that of using technology to help few big private business entities have in need and people who will ensure it is alleviate social issues. This knowledge gained control of ever-greater areas of put to the best possible use. will be brought together to engage all European land. 2015 is an exciting year for Bristol and the communities of the Greater Bristol http://cooperativa.cat/en/land- this project came out of many hours of area, ensuring maximum coverage of concentration-land-grabbing-and- conversation between those engaged in Food Routes whilst opening up ongoing peoples-struggles-in-europe/ food in the city as part of the Bristol Green conversation around food waste and Capital Partnership’s Food Action Group. how we can all, individual, community Wasteful Brits bin 6 meals every Immediately it was seen that food waste or business, start to address what is week: £12bn of food thrown away and finding a dynamic way to help people becoming one of the issues of our time. annually, MPs reveal deal with their surpluses, while helping We will shortly begin a pilot of the project digest: Families throw away enough communities, was not only the best and which we would love you to be a part food to make six meals a week. The most obvious way to go but also would of, on either side of the programme. average household could save up to leave a project that would have real legacy So whether you would like to donate £400 a year if everything bought was and help towards Bristol’s goal of being a food or receive food for a community eaten rather than sent to the tip. sustainable food city by 2020. group, please do get in touch with us. www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ In the UK alone there is around 3.9million In the first instance contactfoodroute@ article-2920825/Wasteful-Brits-bin- tonnes of food wasted annually and neighbourly.com and we will get back to 6-meals-week-12bn-food-thrown- the current estimates by FareShare is you with further information and how to away-annually-MPs-reveal.html that around 10% of that is still fit for get involved. consumption. When we look at the global Food security: demand, consumption Links picture the United Nations Food and and waste report published www.neighbourly.com/ Agriculture Organization estimate that an digest: Government and retailers must www.fareshare.org.uk/ even more stupefying 1.3 billion tonnes do more to help consumers choose ediblebristol.org.uk/ of food are wasted every year. If just a healthy food from sustainable sources, www.bristol2015.co.uk/ fraction of that perfectly good food could and waste less. be redirected from the bulging land fill sites into the hand (and bellies) of those www.parliament.uk/business/ committees/committees-a-z/ commons-select/environment- food-and-rural-affairs-committee/ news/report-food-security-demand- consumption-and-waste/
Family farmers are living large digest: Can a farm the size of Paris still be classified as a family farm?
http://sustainablefoodtrust.org/ articles/family-farmers-living-large/
6 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 system. Because of this we will endeavour to equip our members with neutral, even-‐handed advice; post sign them to all of the potential support available; and put in place structures that help them to cooperate and innovate rather than taking control away from them.
So far we have 13 producer partners 8 and strategic partners signed up to be part of this project and to collaborat on achieving our aims and objectives, but anyone who is interested can join our distribution list and receive our monthly Opportunities Updates. Do get in touch if you are interested in being involved any of the strands of work below: [email protected]. Or befriend us on Twitter (@BristolProduce) and Facebook Bristol ( Food Producers)
Bristol Food Producers Bonnie Hewson Our Project Workplan Outline
You can read more about this project, Activity Outcomes download the original project plan, find Opportunities Updates and INCREASING PRODUCTIVE LAND SIGN UP TO THE DISTRIBUTION LIST here: http://beaconfarms.co.uk/get- LAND MATCHING Creation of a map, facilitated process involved/bristol-food-producers/ and match-‐making event to help growers to access land. “The vision is that within the next five years Bristol will become known as a EARLY STAGE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Promotion of existing support and leading sustainable food city, widely SUPPORT new tailored support programmes for growing enterprises. celebrated for its innovative network of
urban food producers making effective IMPROVING FAIRNESS & EFFICIENCIES FOR SMALLER FOOD PRODUCERS use of a wide range of sites and innovative approaches to capturing and MEMBER BENEFITS A more cohesive identity and re-using energy and nutrients from food strength in numbers: group buying waste recycling.” discounts, learning opportunities (e.g. study visits), member discounts Mayor George Ferguson, ‘A Vision for on events, strategic representation of Bristol’ needs/interests, networking events, The aim of Bristol Food Producers news and funding. is to formally create this ‘innovative TOOLS FOR THE JOB REGISTER Online mechanism for asks and network’ of food producing enterprises, offers: sourcing facilities, bulk or joint in Bristol and beyond: a light weight, purchase, machinery, tools, labour, cooperative, producer-led umbrella joint working. organisation that can represent mutual interests, address shared obstacles and IMPROVING ACCESS TO MARKETS seize new opportunities for producers QUALITY ASSURANCE Report on the needs of small in Bristol’s food shed as a united group. producers in relation to meeting We have received Green Capital funding standards, the resources available to scale up local food production in and the existing charters, brands marks, around Bristol (growing, processing and open gate systems. Suggestions and distribution) by connecting-up on collaborative solutions to inform existing projects to create a virtual an umbrella benchmark quality innovation and support hub that standard or a future bid. enables and promotes collaboration ORDERING AND DELIVERY LOGISTICS Options study into existing systems and peer support and resource sharing to link producers with consumers between existing and future urban, (pros and cons of each) and a peri-urban and rural community- feasibility assessment of a neutral connected food enterprises. Ultimately shared delivery logistic scheme, with we want to increase the volume and a view to informing a future bid if accessibility of local food in Bristol, as necessary. well as smoothing the way for future COLLABORATING ON LEARNING growers to become established on new pieces of land with the skills they THE BRISTOL CERTIFICATE: Livelihood Skills for To provide a standardised skills base need to succeed in growing for their Landworkers for all new growers in Bristol at communities. different projects: enabling skills development, experience of different We don’t believe there will ever be models, enterprise, marketing and a one-size fits all solution to the community development skills. obstacles that small producers face; we think that small independent producers SKILL SHARING MASTERCLASSES 2 enterprise, 2 social and 2 technical should be valued and supported as masterclasses led by partners or much as larger, more strategic multi- external experts to enable skill strand operations. Scaling up is as sharing and practical demonstration. much a matter of an increasing number PROMOTING GROWING AS A LIVELIHOOD Careers Day at Food Connections of viable smaller enterprises as it (Garden Paths), Scaling up is about the sustainable growth of Community Growing Course for key individual operations. garden volunteers, Where to Go To Grow listings (places, courses, continued on p.8 events), exploring way to improve diversity in the growing sector.
7 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 in 2014. She now works at CoResist collective at Hamilton House and studies for an MA in Social Sculpture. She was nominated for Bristol Green Volunteer Co-ordinator of 2014, and is the Chair of the Board of Trustees at the UK Youth Climate Coalition. Check our website for dates for when she will be at a stall near you! Sims Hill will also be sharing a Community Grower, Richard Wright, with our sister project, Feed Bristol this year, who will be helping us with our community engagement and education goals. We are also a partner with the newly formed Green Capital Strategic Grant funded Bristol Food Producers project. See previous page and below to learn more about them, and how you can Sims Hill become involved with this exciting The big news this month is that we sustainability and sees Sims Hill as a initiative. have hired two new people to help us pioneering project and a great model for As always, we are recruiting! We have a bring Sims Hill up to the next level in the future of food production. lovely new pickup point at Windmill Hill terms of becoming a viable enterprise. We are also very excited to announce City Farm, so if you live south of the river Our new head grower is Martin the appointment of our new Member and want to sample lovely locally and Campodonic, who has been learning the Recruitment Manager, Isobel Tarr! Isobel seasonally sourced veg, why not check ropes as a Sims Hill volunteer for the last Tarr has been a Sims Hill member for a it out? few months, and also brings a wealth of year and loves to spread the word and http://simshill.co.uk/ growing experience from having been get people excited about things she is involved in various growing projects passionate about – so she’s coming on Links around the UK, many of which have been board as Recruitment Manager at Sims Hill http://bristol.highwaterline.org/ biodynamic projects. He has a passionate this February! Isobel’s previous projects www.coresist.org/ interest in permaculture design and include mobilising HighWaterLine Bristol http://ukycc.org/
Bristol Food Producers continued
Our philosophy is to promote and protect So far we have 13 producer partners diversity in the Bristol food-shed – we and 8 strategic partners signed up to be see diversity as the true foundation of a part of this project and to collaborate on resilient food system. Because of this we achieving our aims and objectives, but will endeavour to equip our members with anyone who is interested can join our neutral, even-handed advice; signpost distribution list and receive our monthly them to all of the potential support Opportunities Updates. Do get in touch if The Bristol and District available; and put in place structures you are interested in being involved in any Market Gardeners, 1897 (top) and some of that help them to cooperate and innovate of the strands of work in the table on the the members of the Bristol Food Producers rather than taking control away from them. preceding page: network at a meeting in January 2015 [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter (@BristolProduce) and Facebook (Bristol Food Producers)
8 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 Bristol Businesses take up the Go Green challenge!
An audience of over 300 people from across the city region attended the launch of Go Green at At-Bristol on 10 February. Go Green is a key part of the 2015 European Green Capital Programme, helping businesses to play an important BIG Green Week 2015 part in making the Bristol city region 13–21 June become healthier, more competitive and more sustainable. Bristol festival the BIG Green Week is the UK’s annual festival of eco ideas, The event, opened by the Lord Mayor of these measures, let alone research them. art and entertainment – 50,000 Bristol, Councillor Alastair Watson, saw ”. This is where Go Green can help visitors enjoy two weekends of free a huge crowd with representatives from In addition to the online tool and website, family entertainment and nine days over 200 organisations hearing about the Go Green will be running a programme of of inspiring talks, workshops, art, importance of the scheme and how it will events including seminars, workshops and music, poetry, comedy and films. help them achieve their green ambitions. behind the scenes tours of Bristol’s most The 2014 Festival had over 150 The event outlined how Go Green will sustainable buildings. However it doesn’t events across Bristol in June, over work, emphasising that it has been just focus on saving energy. “What’s half of which were free! designed to help businesses of all sizes ” said Nina really great about this scheme We are now working on the main and types irrespective of how ‘green’ Skubala of Business West, delivery partner June 2015 festival programme for they already are. Andrew Garrad, Chair for the scheme said “ is that it looks at a lot Bristol’s European Green Capital year of Bristol 2015 said: “ We want to ensure of different issues that businesses have to – the first ever UK city to win this that every business in the region has the consider, not just recycling and electricity award. Organisation partners who chance to benefit from the awareness use, but sourcing policies, travel plans, register with us early benefit from: created by the European Green Capital and issues like staff welfare and local award. We want to celebrate the success biodiversity. It allows businesses to think n High profile marketing help of our greenest companies, but also about a whole range of things they can do from us via Facebook, Twitter & encourage many more to seize this to improve, and start with the ones that Instagram opportunity to become greener, save matter most to them”. n Longer ticket selling time which money and find new customers”. The popularity of the launch event is will help maximise sales The key to the programme is how it testament to the demand that exists in n Additional help in developing your interacts with the region’s existing the forward-thinking businesses of the event idea network of organisations and businesses, region who know that their future success Event registration closes on whose achievements to date have depends on building a greener more Saturday 28 March 2015. cemented Bristol’s reputation as a resilient business community, fit for the sustainable city. Amy Robinson, of project changing times in which we now live. Our registration process is designed partner Low Carbon South West, said: to be quick and easy and can be Go Green is an initiative being delivered “The strength of this scheme is that it done here: http://biggreenweek. by Business West and Low Carbon South has been designed to tie together all the com/event-and-ticket-form/ West, with funding from Bristol 2015. great assets we already have. We didn’t Don’t forget to download our event The event was recorded at https:// want to reinvent the wheel – so Go Green pack available via our homepage at: works by signposting to the organisations, soundcloud.com/ecomediacollective/ http://biggreenweek.com/ projects and funding bodies that are most go-green-launch-bristol. You can useful to each individual participant, and also view a round up of the event We can’t wait for you to come on we can keep it current by adding new at: http://gogreenbusiness.co.uk/ board and help make this years BIG opportunities whenever we find them”. articles/2015/02/go-green-launch/. Green Week BIGGER and BETTER than ever before! The Go Green online tool helps businesses The intention for the scheme is for its create an action plan that provides them participants to generate content. Please So get in touch: with help and guidance, and a one-stop- share any ideas that you have to help Andie McLean shop for useful resources. “It’s like having engage the food sector with us via http:// Event Partner Manager a sustainability expert in your pocket”, gogreenbusiness.co.uk/event-proposal/ 0117 329 2525 says Project Manager Jessica Ferrow. “We [email protected] For more information, contact know that many businesses are interested [email protected] in how they can become more resource or call 0117 945 8733 efficient, reduce their environmental impacts and engage their staff in new ways, www.gogreenbusiness.co.uk but they have limited time to implement @gogreenbristol
9 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 Read more online Redhead’s smokehouse The trouble with modernization: lessons for endangered markets Sarah Clapham everywhere digest: Why do markets matter? How I have always loved food and the delicate Double Gloucester. Both cheeses are can we preserve and expand local scent of a wood fire. If there is ever the sourced locally from Lyecross Farm, food culture? How do we address the meerest whiff of wood smoke in the air something that is important to me. I really complex economic challenges facing I can’t help but track down the source. want my product to be about the local markets today, and what strategies There’s nothing quite like a walk on a and traditional. Despite my nerves about can we implement to expand global cold day and the sweet smell of apple running a stall, the cheeses went down policy support for markets? or oak reaching your nose telling you well and last year I introduced smoked www.pps.org/blog/the-trouble- there’s a roaring pub fire to warm garlic, chilli and salt to the stall. with-modernization-lessons-for- yourself by. Smoke means fire and fire I run a stall one Saturday a month (date endangered-markets-everywhere/ means warmth and cosiness. It also weather dependant) and took part in some means smoked food. wonderful Christmas markets last year. How will we grow new farmers? I read an article a couple of years ago I would love to find a regular weekday digest: Farmers perform one of about a man who had set up a small market once my little boy starts school society’s most essential functions, business selling traditionally smoked this September and perhaps branch out yet farming is one of the most under- salmon in east London. Immediately my to supplying smoked salmon. For now it’s valued and endangered professions mind started whirring. Smoke plus food just lovely sharing this traditional skill and in the US. New farmers face many plus working from home would be just taste with the people of Bristol. challenges: limited access to land and perfect. At home with two small children capital, hard physical labour, slim If anyone is interested in learning how to I really needed something that could margins, debt, and uncertain income. coldsmoke there are courses throughout work around the chaos of family life. That the country. I did one in Buckinghamshire www.cuesa.org/article/how-will-we- autumn I did a day course in coldsmoking which was very helpful in explaining the grow-new-farmers and fell in love with this gentle, time- process and aspects of hygiene. To be honoured process of preserving and able to smoke your own cheese, bacon, Growing intolerance flavouring food. salmon or even almonds is a joy. digest: How could wheat, a staple About a year later, having jumped through food that has sustained humanity For stall dates or questions get in touch... food hygiene, insurance and Council for so long, have suddenly become a [email protected] hoops, sourced cheeses and set up a threat to our health? What’s happened smokery in our garden, I held my first stall Redhead’s Smokehouse is on Facebook: to wheat that is causing the increase on the Gloucester Road selling applewood www.facebook.com/ in digestive disorders? smoked cheddar and beechwood smoked redheadssmokehouse?fref=ts http://sustainablefoodtrust.org/ articles/growing-intolerance- happened-wheat/
Turning waste into wine: A pilgrimage to the composted land digest: The composting of municipal food waste into organic fertilizer to provide the nutrients necessary for soils to support healthy vines and carbon-sequestering roots that produce the kind of grapes responsible for heavenly wines.
www.resilience.org/ stories/2015-01-27/turning-waste- into-wine-a-pilgrimage-to-the- composted-land
Composting coop taps into the NEW CAMPAIGNS unbroken spirit of rust belt cities Making a Hubbub about food waste GULP – Give up loving pop digest: Rust Belt Riders Composting Hubbub is a new organisation digest: A new campaign which aims are a worker-owned, bike-based, that is taking a fresh approach to to raise awareness of the health harms organic waste removal company in communicating environmental issues associated with over consumption of Cleveland. by using positive messages that make sugary drinks. www.shareable.net/blog/ it easier for people to do the right thing. www.giveuplovingpop.org.uk/ composting-coop-taps-into-the- www.hubbub.org.uk/ unbroken-spirit-of-rust-belt-cities
10 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 of the seeds rows or trays to give them more growing space. A great quality of all these brassicas is their ability to be transplanted, even several times. This makes it possible to move young plants into a ‘waiting bed’ at a spacing of about 10 cms each way, until room becomes available for a full spacing later. This is particularly useful for brassicas for late winter use, which can move onto the space that beans and peas have left behind at the end of the summer and hence benefit from the nitrogen that the legume roots have fixed in the soil. Brassicas like an alkaline soil, so whiten the surface of the bed with lime in a new plot or garden, or where the presence of green algae on the soil surface suggests acidity. Plant broccoli, cauliflowers and brussels at their final spacing the end of the summer at 60 cm spacings into large dibber or spade holes and tread the ground down very firmly before watering in. As they reach their full height – 1.2 meters on good broccoli plants – they may need staking. They will also need some net cover over winter to keep voracious pigeons at bay. After the first sowing of brassicas in March, plan for another in April to cover Following the Plot no.24 the other main varieties. This should Keith Cowling include late broccoli, summer and winter cabbages like savoys, later cauliflowers and green broccoli (sometimes referred All the signs are promising an early escape the slug threat at around 70 mm to as calabrese). This sowing should also spring. As I write (in mid February) tall. Before this they need whatever anti- include both types of kales, which provide celandines, a plant that we usually slug measures you can deploy – especially some of the best value in vitamins for plot think of as flowering around the spring in a wet spring. space through the winter months. Curly equinox, are already in bloom on the kale, also called borecole, fits in with As soon as you have got parsnips away, allotment site. The wheel of the year is the second batch of cabbages and can the big job for March is getting a range of turning and gardener’s busiest season be moved to a waiting bed in a similar brassicas sown. This includes cabbages, is upon us, with its crowded schedule of way. The other kinds of kale – called rape brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflowers sowing and planting. kales – are unusual in not responding well and kale. Along with purple sprouting to re-planting. They should therefore be The first seeds out of the box for those broccoli, sprouts can take up to a year sown thinly in the row where they will be that grow ‘a bit of everything’, are usually before they crop, so require a little left to mature. These kales, my personal parsnips. These have a long germination planning to make the effort and space favourite brassica, are perhaps the most in the cold soils of early spring, so it pays worthwhile. If you have poor or thin soil underrated vegetable of all. Try sowing to start early. February is not too soon for it is worth paying 50p more for a more ‘Russian Red’ for a real taste treat! Kale the two foot long monsters like ‘Tender vigorous F1 hybrid variety. You won’t is also bursting with vitamins, with more and True’, but if you haven’t got them be able to save seed with hybrids, but vitamin A by weight than carrots and huge sown yet, a shorter variety like ‘Offenham’ brassica seeds are a bit technical for amounts of E and K. The most serious will provider daintier roots from sowings amateurs anyway. Sow the little black potential problem with brassicas after as late as the end of April. Another option seeds sparingly – they will last 5 years pigeons and slugs is club root, which is is to pre-germinate the seeds at home, in a well stored packet – into a prepared best avoided by liming, and by rotating like beans spouts, stir them into a bowl seed bed, a cold frame or a seed tray on a the position of brassica beds. Remember of vegetable gel (like agar agar) once well-lit window sill, along with short rows when you do this that swedes and turnips they show shoots (6 days), then take the of early purple sprouting, a good early are brassicas too. whole lot to the plot in a polythene bag cabbage like Greyhound or Durham Early, before sniping a corner off with scissors Keith Cowling · [email protected] and perhaps an early cauliflower. and piping the gel and seed mixture Ashley Vale Allotments Association along prepared drills about 20 mm deep. Once the young plants are 5 cms high www.ashleyvaleallotmentsassociation. Parsnips have few problems once they with four leaves, transplant them out org/index.php
11 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 Events at Lawrence Weston Community Farm Saltmarsh Drive, Bristol BS11 0NJ
Outdoor cooking food hygiene level 2 8.45am–5.30pm Thursday 5 March £130 Run by Forest of Avon Trust this WHCF EC16 6pp AW_Layout 1 12/02/2015 12:05 Page 1 155 exciting new course explores the fun and practicalities of cooking outside with groups of adults or children. What’s on at Windmill Hill Ideal for anyone interested in outdoor Windmill HWHAT’Sill City Farm, Philip ON Street,March Bedminster, April Bristol May BS32015 4EA learning,REGULAR including Forest SchoolACTIVITIES ADULT COURSES leaders, teachers and support staff. INTRODUCTION TO FASHION FARMYou ADVENTURERS will learn about - foodSTAY hygiene AND PLAY and PATTERN CUTTING FOR EVERYONE TUESDAYS 7-9pm (11 wks) DESIGNRegular (11-14yrs). activities (Parents/carerssafety when &you child are under working 5yrs) outside Starts: 21st April 2015 Cost: £80/£20 conc Saturday 18th April 10.30am-1pm. including storage, handling and food Farm Adventurers Stay & Play (0–5 yrs) Outdoor fun at the farm for you and your little one - with our farm safety hazards. For further information Learn9.30–11.30am the basics Mondays of drawing a adventurers team. Inc. nature play, animal care, music and crafts. GROWING ORGANIC FOOD TUESDAYS 9.30-12.30pm (5 wks) design, measuring, pattern cutting contact [email protected] £5 per family drop-in session MONDAYS 9.30-11.30am. £5 per family drop-in session (no booking) Starts: 21st April 2015 Cost: £55/£15 conc and sewing. You will make a final pieceDrop-in to take and home. have some outdoor fun at the FARMAptEd ADVENTURERS Introduction (Child to Forest only) School PAINTING & DRAWING WEDNESDAYS 10-12.30pm (10 wks) £25farm plus with a £2your materials little one. fee. Including mud Level 1 Book at farm reception or online Starts: 22nd April 2015 Cost: £95/£25 conc kitchen, forest school, feeding the animals Farm9.30am–5pm Adventurers Mon is a 16 unique, & Tues opportunity 17 March for your children aged 2-5 years www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk and growing some veg. to experience farming and nature in the heart of the city and for you to accessExplore courses and experience and workshops, all aspects or to simply have some time to yourself. SILVER JEWELLERY Beginners THURSDAYS 9.30-12pm (10 wks) STOP FRAME ANIMATION of the Forest School approach, also WORKSHOPFarm Adventurers (8-12 yrs). TUESDAY-FRIDAY MORNINGS: 9.15am-12.15pm. Starts: 23rd April 2015 Cost: £95/£25 conc TUESDAYlearning & aTHURSDAY range of activities AFTERNOONS: to 1pm-4pm. SundayMornings 26th 9.15am–12.15pmApril 10-1pm. Tuesday– £15 useper session.(Youwith your groups. can use For your further free early education funding) A stopFriday motion (2–5yrs) animation workshop SILVER JEWELLERY Project-based THURSDAYS 1-3.30pm (10 wks) information contact thatAfternoons encourages 1–4pm creativity Tuesday by & Thursday Starts: 23rd April 2015 Cost: £95/£25 conc [email protected] SCHOOL CLUB (6-9 yrs) or visit model(3–5yrs) making, creating stories and sharing ideas. Learn how to www.forestofavontrust.org £15 per child/session book at reception Lots of outdoor fun and fresh air after school doing fun stuff like... ADVANCED PATTERN CUTTING THURSDAYS 7-9pm (11 wks) use stop motion animation pizza making, feeding and putting the animals to bed, crafts, shelter and Starts: 23rd April 2015 Cost: £80/£20 conc softwareFantastic and sessions the basics with ofour Farm fire Introductionbuilding. Drink to andKeeping snack Sheep provided. animating. £22/child. Book at THURSDAYS 3.45-5.15pm. £5 per session /£10.00 for pick up from Adventurers team, experiencing outdoor 10am–3pm Saturday 28 March STAINED GLASS Beginners FRIDAYS 1-3.15pm (10 wks) farmplay, reception forest school, or online farming, growing veg St Mary£35/£10 Redcliffe concessions or Holy Cross Schools. www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk. email: [email protected] or call 0117 9633252 to book a place. Starts: 24th April 2015 Cost: £85/£20 conc and nature crafts. This workshop is suitable for people ‘PLOT TO PLATE’ CREATIVE COOKING (8-12 yrs). Saturday 9th May. thinking about keeping sheep and After School Club MENTAL HEALTH DROP-IN YOGA FOR EVERYONE FRIDAYS 1.15-2.45pm (10 wks) Workshops,Chef, Jo Ingleby courses will take children& events on a taste adventure around the farm, those new to sheep keeping who want 3.45–5.15pm Thursdays (6–10 yrs) Friendly, free, drop-in session for people living with mental health problems. Starts: 24th April 2015 Cost: £55/£15 conc harvesting, tasting & cooking up some delicious seasonal dishes, in the to be self sufficient in caring for their Wildfarms outdoors new outdoor day kitchen. £5 per child/session book at reception TUESDAYS, 6-8pm - all welcome. Contact reception for more info 0117 9633252. animals. It will cover the shepherd’s COMPLETING YOUR NOVEL THURSDAYS 7-9pm (8 wks) 12–4pm£18/child. Saturday Book at 28 farm March reception or online www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk.Lots of outdoor fun learning about nature £3 adults/kids free OLDERcalendar, PEOPLES sheep GROUPS care and basic sheep Starts: 7th May 2015 Cost: £60/£15 conc HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AT THE FARM. and food. Including harvesting & cooking maintenance including foot care, and Grand opening of our new outdoor in the new outdoor kitchen, feeding and Fantastic chance for older people to get out and about and make friends. We will be running lots of fun activities throughout the Easter and May We welfarepick up checks. from home Bring and your go own on lunch.lots of outings. Courses at the farm are provided in partnership with the kitchen.school Outdoorholidays cookery for children demos of andall ages. free For lookingfull listings after go the to animals, shelter building tastings from local chefs. Plus plenty of WEDNESDAYS 1-5pm & FRIDAYS 10am-5pm. Workers' Educational Association (WEA) a charity and www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk call: 0117 9633252& fire making. or pop into farm ContactChicken reception Keeping for moreDay info 0117 9633252. the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of adult education. wildreception and wonderful and pick activities. up a programme. 10am–3pm Saturday 11 April Mental Health Drop-in ‘P80lot BYto plate’18 AT creativeTHE FARM. cooking May Half(8–12 Term. yrs) WEEKDAY£35 (£10 COURSES. concessions) Enrolment on all courses is via farm reception 6–8pm Tuesdays Free session Monday-Friday 9.30am-4.00pm. SaturdayLook out 9 for May our · £18week of FREE activities for 11-14 year olds during We Arerun you weekly thinking courses of keeping in arts, chickens? crafts, gardening , writing and yoga. See Tel: 0117 9633252 or email: [email protected]. May half term. Including Nature Photography,Feeling Woodworking, isolated? We offer a friendly drop- Chef, Jo Ingleby will take children on our This‘Adult day Courses’ will give pageyou all and you the need website to for more details. For more details go to: www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk. Bushcraft, History walks and outdoor cooking.in session For full for listings people go living to with mental TUESDAYknow to - getFRIDAY. started including; chicken a www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uktaste adventure around the farm, call: 0117 9633252 or pop into farm health problems. history and different breeds, chicken harvesting,reception tastingand pick & cookingup a programme. up some anatomy & behaviour, day to day care, delicious seasonal dishes, in the farm’s Older People’s Groups suitable housing and environment, new outdoor kitchen. 1–5pm Wednesdays, 10am–5pm Fridays diet, natural behavioural needs, how Holiday activities at the farm Fantastic chance for older people to get to do a health check on a chicken. With We will be running lots of fun activities out and about and make friends. We pick Juley, our Community Farmer throughout the Easter and May school up from home and go on lots of outings. holidays for children of all ages. Ring for more info 0117 9633252 Weekend Farm Hands: 8–11 year olds Free For full listings and bookings go to 80 by 18 at the Farm the website, call 0117 9633252 or pop into Do you live in Lawrence Weston, May Half Term farm reception and pick up a programme. Avonmouth, Seamills or Shirehampton? Look out for our week of FREE activities Farm Hands help to look after the farm. for 11-14 year olds during May half www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Pop into the farm to get a form (limited term. Including Nature Photography, places) or contact [email protected] Woodworking, Bushcraft, History walks 0117 9381128 and outdoor cooking. www.lwfarm.org.uk/
12 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 Events Grow your own garden course Free course in getting started in growing your own food All sessions will start at Unit C1, Northover Buildings, Glastonbury BA6 9NU (near the Red Brick Building) Don’t miss the chance to learn how to grow your own food. Sessions take place in Glastonbury with site visits to home & community gardens in and around Street and Glastonbury. You are very welcome to attend any and all of the workshops. They will be fun & practical, with resources to take away. Any questions: [email protected] Find out more & reserve your place online: www.feedavalon.org.uk/grow-your-own-garden-course/
Session 1: Know your soil Session 4: Make the most of your 12.30–3pm Tuesday 3 March space Soil is what underpins a successful 12.30–3pm Tuesday 24 March garden. Find out about the soil from This workshop will introduce how to do your plot or containers and how to look a basic design for your garden. We will A Revelrous Supper after it so your plants not only survive share simple surveying and map-making A New Orleans Style Feast! but thrive. Learn basic soil testing, techniques. We will explore what we can composting & mulching techniques. learn from nature to make less work for 7pm Thursday 5 March ourselves! Hamilton House, Stokes Croft Session 2: How to build raised beds Tickets: £35 4 course meal & welcome 12.30–3pm Tuesday 10 March Session 5: Grow your own – seed drink (Booking online will incur a booking Learn how to make your own raised sowing & propagation fee or you are welcome to book by visiting beds out of a range of easy to find & 12.30–3pm Tuesday 31 March us at Hamilton House) affordable materials. By the end of the This session will share top tips for Let’s take ourselves to New Orleans in the workshop we will have built some beds starting plants off as seeds. We will midst of Carnival; music, masks, beads together. Learn basic woodworking skills cover all you need to know for successful and brass. Overwhelmed by the crowds and how to use different tools. propagation, and also introduce we’ve escaped to the backstreets to take alternative ways of producing plants, Session 3: Feeding your family – a breath. such as taking cuttings. how to plan your plot We turn the corner and find ourselves in 12.30–3pm Tuesday 17 March Session 6: Keeping plants healthy – a tumbledown back alley near the banks How do you know what to grow? How pests & diseases of the Mississippi. A wondrous bunch of much? What to prioritise? This workshop 12.30–3pm Tuesday 7 April misfits and revelers have dodged the main will introduce different crops, plant Are you concerned about bugs? About streets and created their own wild feast families and rotations, so you feel more plants dying from mysterious diseases? for the senses. The brassy sounds of the confident knowing what to grow, where This workshop will bust all the myths musicians, the glistening carnival beads and when. about what causes ill plant health. We and the luxurious feathers are infusing will explore practical ways to keep your with the smells wafting from the courtyard plants healthy and reduce the chance of kitchen. disease or crop failure. This makes for a sweet mixture in this undiscovered corner of the city… and look- they are inviting you in to join the party! City of Bristol College catering team have teamed up with Chris Wicks of Old Down Manor, Tim Denny of The Star & Dove and Matt Lord of The Bristol Hotel to bring us an intangibly delicious 4 course meal with a New Orleans twist. All proceeds go towards supporting The Coexist Community Kitchen’s outreach collaboration with The Bristol Drugs Project.
www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/1252191
13 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 …more events Bath and North East Somerset City Devolution and Local Food Strategy Launch Communities & School Catering Suppliers’ 9am–1.30pm Thursday 12 March Session The Bristol Pavilion, Gloucestershire Cricket Bristol County Ground, Join Bath and North East Somerset Nevil Road BS7 9EJ Council for two separate events Free Tuesday 10 March Farrington Farm Play Barn, Main Street, Local democracy and city devolution is a Farrington Gurney BS39 6UB very hot topic at the moment. But what opportunities and challenges might this Event 1: B&NES Local Food Strategy new approach offer the community and launch 9.45am–1.45pm voluntary sector? At the launch of the B&NES Local Food Voscur in association with Bristol Festival Strategy we will demonstrate our plans of Ideas, and with support from West of to improve the production, provision England Rural Network and Voluntary and consumption of good food across Action, North Somerset are delighted to Bath and North East Somerset. The event host a morning of presentations, debate will include presentations by Dr Martin and a networking buffet lunch to discuss Caraher (City University, London) and these important issues at the Bristol local organisations as well as action Transition @Trinity Pavilion. planning workshops. The morning session 10am–5pm Saturday 14 March will finish with a locally sourced lunch Get involved in the debate, have your say, The Trinity Centre, Bristol BS2 0NW provided by Farrington’s Farm. and ensure your opinions are heard by the Community Action for the World We Want political leaders. Register at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ £5 waged, unwaged free bath-and-north-east-somerset- Let’s talk neighbourhood and community A day of workshops, networking, talks and local-food-strategy-launch- democracy... celebration tickets-15729610689 How can communities play a greater role n Stayin’ Alive! · Exploring effective FFI contact Mark Hayward: in local decision making? groups [email protected] 01225 396975 www.voscur.org/diary/city_devolution n Knowing me, knowing you! · Building networks & connections Event 2: School Catering Suppliers’ n Funky Town! · Scaling up Session 1.45–4pm Edible Garden Show n Good Times! · Meeting friends, old & new B&NES Council will shortly be re-letting 11am Friday 20 March 2015–5pm Sunday the contracts to supply food to schools 22 March With: Rob Hopkins · Sarah Pugh · Sophy in the county. We are inviting existing Alexandra Palace, London Banks · Jenny Mackewn · Sarah McAdam and potential suppliers to join us for this £20 on the door/£16 advance The Transition@Trinity event is about pre-procurement session. This session As the only show in the UK dedicated to creating connections for sustainability; will outline the proposed way forward for grow-your-own, The Edible Garden Show between places, groups, projects, and the contract; scope, commodity splits, and Good Life Live is a must-go event and themes. It is about finding the help you value, etc. We will outline the procurement is returning to London’s iconic Alexandra need, and making the whole greater than process and timescales and are keen Palace. the sum of the parts. Whether you’re a for suppliers to feed back to us on our seasoned activist or wondering how to get proposals. From pro plot holders to windowsill started, this day is for you. wonder growers the show provides all the In addition, the Government and B&NES inspiration, innovation and information Simple hot lunch provided, feel free to Council are looking to procurement you need to get ready to grow this season. bring cake to share. activities to yield more than just the goods and services being acquired. The Edible Garden Show is packed full of For more info & to book These priorities relate to Social Value, free experts talks from the likes of James www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transition- sustainability issues, etc. We will also Wong, Mike Thurlow & Pippa Greenwood trinity-registration-14704354119 explain what these are and what they who will be inspiring you with top class mean when working with the Council. gardening knowledge. There will be green fingered guidance in the HIPPO Potting Please register separately for this event Shed which includes an Allotment Advice here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/schools- clinic alongside many Q&A discussions catering-contract-supplier-session- and hands on demonstrations to ensure registration-15709494521 your vegetables are best in show. FFI contact Christine Storry: [email protected] www.theediblegardenshow.co.uk/
14 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 Nutrition & cooking classes …& more events for people living or working in BS13/14 Bristol’s Enterprising No.10 The People’s Kitchen, Hartcliffe High Streets Health & Environment Action Group, The Gatehouse Centre, Hareclive Road, 3.30–8pm Thursday 12 March Hartcliffe, BS13 9JN City of Bristol College, College Green Centre, St George’s Road BS1 5UA At the start of these cooking courses you Free are given 3 years membership of the Food For All co-operative which entitles you Bristol’s Enterprising High Streets is a to 10% off all purchases, and quarterly partnership initiative between a number newsletters. of key business support organisations – Bristol City Council, the Federation of Cooking for others Small Businesses, City of Bristol College, 10.30am–2.30pm Mondays the Chartered Institute of Marketing, £2 per week including a light lunch Destination Bristol and the Business Working in a supportive environment, you Growth Service. will learn new cooking skills that you can The Bristol’s Enterprising High Streets use when cooking for a crowd – or even for event will focus on a number of issues work in the future… Topics covered could relevant to Bristol’s high streets and local Growing Salad Greens include making centres economy – business start-up and all year round n knife skills & food prep growth, the green agenda and business n bread making opportunities, and the importance of 7.30pm Monday 23 March n children’s party foods marketing. As well as showcasing local Meeting at YHA conference room, n batch cooking for freezing small businesses, the event provides a 14 Narrow Quay BS1 4QA n using herbs & spices great opportunity to ask questions, obtain £3 Visitors, £1 AOG members n celebration cakes information on support from exhibitors Tea etc included n jams & preserves and network with other business people. Avon Organic Group continues its n you can work towards formal qualifications Bristol’s high streets include a diverse programme of ‘Growing Green’. Find out how to grow a variety of interesting salad range of enterprises and community Lunch & More leaves – not just lettuce! This is a chance facilities e.g. shops, cafes, restaurants, 10.15am–2pm Fridays to talk to experienced growers about your pubs, markets, professional and financial £2 each week towards ingredients services, creative industries, leisure, successes and problems. Don’t get stuck indoors feeling lonely, libraries, learning, transport, healthcare. Bike racks nearby. Buses to Centre, under-the-weather or in a rut, come to Speakers include: parking Mud Dock or Queen’s Square Lunch & More. Each week you will be able email [email protected] to: Amy Robinson – from Go Green will talk about the green agenda and the business www.groworganicbristol.org n Help to prepare and share in a delicious opportunities it can provide. Go Green is lunch with good company a new business support scheme being n Hear from speakers on topics of interest launched during Bristol’s year as n Find out more about what’s going on in European Green Capital. your neighbourhood Carole Bond – will talk about the n We can pick up from home & drop you importance of marketing. Carole is an back! environmental scientist, sustainability practitioner and marketing professional Kitchen Confidence with over 30 years’ experience of working 1–3pm Wednesdays New course starting 4 March for 4 weeks in and with businesses of all sizes/ Love Food Market sectors. £1.50 each week towards ingredients 10.30am–4pm Sunday 29 March We will be learning the basics skills in the Tobie Holbrook – will talk about his Paintworks, Brislington kitchen to get you feeling at home with. business start-up and growth journey. Each week you will be able to: Tobie is a local entrepreneur, the owner Support local producers as you explore the of Cafe Grounded and a director of the warm indoor markets. Pick up delicious n Using the equipment – cooker, hob, Bristol Pound. Cafe Grounded have pancake fillings, and stock up on warming knives and more 6 outlets, with another opening in teas and comfort food ingredients n Making easy soup and sauces Fishponds in Spring 2015. including fresh locally reared meats and n Thinking about a healthy diet vegetables from Kidner’s Organics, perfect www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bristols- n Saving money by cooking for yourself! for a slow cooked stew. enterprising-high-streets- 0117 946 5285 · office @hheag.org.uk tickets-15568514847 www.lovefoodfestival.com www.hheag.org.uk
15 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 …& more events
Webinar: How can we get community food growing ‘prescribed’ Bee Festival by the NHS or funded by public health? 10am–4pm Saturday 2 May A free webinar for community food growing projects Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve, 2–3.30pm Tuesday 24 March 2015 Sneyd Park, Bristol ‘Bee the change’ open a hive, and offer This webinar, jointly organised by Sustainable Food Cities (SFC) and Growing Health bee-related crafts and activities for will include information and advice from experts and projects on working with the children. health service including: n Overview of commissioning processes http://us10.campaign-archive1.com/? u=0112c4ffa9757a2df9b27b672&id=4 n Routes to health commissioning – Clinical Commissioning Groups and Public 30dbbab3d Health including challenges and top tips n Case studies of projects that have been commissioned by the NHS or public health The National Sustainable To register please email [email protected] with the subject title SFC and GH webinar. Joining instructions will follow. Schools Conference Learning for our Future – engaging for a changing world 9am–5pm Thursday 2 July University of Bristol Students Union £75 (£67.50 for SEEd members; £10 1 student; £20 for 2 students at the same casamia invite you to A school) As part of Bristol’s European Green FAIR TRADE Capital 2015 activities, the University of Bristol, in partnership with the GALA DINNER DANCE Sustainable Schools Alliance and SEEd, will host and deliver this year’s National Join us on World Fair Trade Day Sustainable Schools Conference. Saturday 9th May 7-11pm Engage your pupils through peer-to-peer Rosalind Franklin room learning with student volunteers from the University of Bristol. Share your own to celebrate 10 years of bristol as a fairtrade city innovative and creative ideas with other and the finale of the food connections festival. delegates during our open platform Tickets £40 session. Develop new strategies for embedding sustainability across your 3 course Fairtrade and locally sourced dinner curriculum, campus and community. designed by Bristol’s Michelin starred chefs Jonray Meet the experts on Education for and Peter Sanchez-Iglesias from Casamia Sustainable Development. Participate with Casamia Academy and City of Bristol College in interactive workshops throughout Fairtrade cocktail or sparkling wine on arrival the day. After Dinner Speakers, including TV chef Allegra McEvedy and Michael Gidney, Chief Executive at the Fairtrade Foundation http://se-ed.co.uk/edu/nssc2015/ Food Hero Awards presentations Live Music
BOOK TICKETS http://foodconnectionsgala.eventbrite.co.uk
This event will pull together the threads of sustainability, conscious consumerism, and incredible food that is integral to the Food Connections ethos.
16 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 Publications Courses …at Westfield Farm Westfield Farm, Limeburn Hill, Chew Magna BS40 8QW
Chew Valley Natural Beekeepers’ Monthly Meeting (1st Saturday each month) · £2 An Introduction to Balanced Beekeeping Course 6 sessions, 2–5pm Sats 7 March, 4 April, 2 May 6 June, 5 September, 3 October · £75 ‘Starting in Balanced Bee-keeping’ a week-end with Phil Chandler 10am–4pm 18 &19 April · £75 Forest Garden Open Session 2–5pm Sunday 24 May · £10 To book a course, or to join our monthly Bee Group meetings, please contact [email protected] Prosperous living for the world Soil Atlas 2015 http://westfield-farm.co.uk/events/ in 2050: insights from the The Soil Atlas 2015 presents facts and Global Calculator figures about earth, land and fields; its broad ranging significance and its current UK Department of Energy and Climate …at Mumbleys Farmhouse state in Germany, Europe and the world. Change Mumbleys Farmhouse, Sweetwater Price explosions and land speculation, The Global Calculator is a model of the Lane, Mumbleys, Near Thornbury increasing soil loss as a result of erosion world’s energy, land and food systems South Gloucestershire BS35 3JY and sealing, the effects globalized that allows users to explore the options for agro-industry on production and food Beekeeping Taster Week Day reducing global emissions to 2050, and availability across the globe, the problems Thursday 16 April · £80 to see the climate consequences of these associated with the virtual import of choices to 2100. Beginners Beekeeping Weekend agricultural land and land distribution: Friday 24 & Saturday 25 April · £165 It is a free, interactive and open-source The Soil Atlas 2015 provides insights into tool that helps you to understand the link Smallholder Taster Day the current state of the soils on which we between our lifestyle, the energy we use, Friday 1 May · £95 depend and highlights the threats posed and the consequences for our climate. to them in numerous illustrations and http://mumbleysfarmhouse.co.uk/ In this report DECC use the tool to explore texts. Dates.html four development pathways to 2050 all The Soil Atlas 2015 improves the ability of which assume a global population of consumers to make informed decisions, of 10 billion and the limiting of a global …at the University of Bristol and sketches out pathways to a temperature increase to 2˚C. Botanic Gardens responsible agriculture and soils policy. It argues that switching away from beef Hollybush Lane, Stoke Bishop http://globalsoilweek.org/ consumption, towards more poultry, pork, Bristol BS9 1JB soilatlas-2015 vegetables and grains can significantly Grow your own vegetables reduce the amount of land required to 10am–12pm Sundays, 1–29 March · produce food. And that the potential £80 conflict between land for food and for bioenergy is not inevitable and with better Steve Collins will cover the principles management, we could meet our need for of soil analysis, planning and design, food, protect forests and obtain 15–20% ground clearance, crop rotation, seeds of our primary energy requirements from and seedlings, planting for pollinators, bioenergy by 2050. pests and diseases, composting and green manure, so by the end of the five www.gov.uk/government/uploads/ weeks you will be growing your own system/uploads/attachment_data/ with confidence. file/398596/Global_calc_report_WEB.pdf www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden/ events/2015/188.html
17 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 Odds & ends Organic Survey #actlocal Can you help with a student’s quick online #actlocal is a campaign asking people survey on what really drives people to buy to act on the importance of supporting organic food? – it takes 2 minutes! local and independent businesses. We’re beginning this campaign in Bristol, https://demo-account.onlinesurveys. to showcase a city which is leading by ac.uk/dissertation-3 example. Already widely known for its support of independents and shopping Big Lunch Extra locally, we believe Bristol offers a great starting ground. The Big Lunch looking for 900 enthusiastic individuals who are keen to create VACANCY: Cookery School We have launched a call out online and in print around the city. To start the change where they live. If you need some Workshop Leader inspiration to help make it happen, sign campaign we are offering up to 20 local up to apply for a place on the programme The Good Cook School is a Bristol based businesses a chance to be part of our and for the opportunity to come on one of company, which runs cooking workshops #actlocal documentary. It will showcase our residential camps at the Eden Project. and parties for children and adults. We are Bristol’s best loved and undiscovered committed to passing on cooking skills independents & small businesses, www.biglunchextras.com/content/ to the next generation and to vulnerable promoting what they do best. We will then apply-join groups in the community. Established share this with the world, hoping to reach in 2006, we are now planning to expand 1000’s of people over the country. and are looking for an enthusiastic To nominate a business, go to: Sustainable supports and dynamic individual to deliver the I am a coppice worker currently based workshops and assist in the development http://konichiwa-pr.co.uk/ at Westonbirt Arboretum and living in of the business. Must have: actlocalbristol/#about Bristol. I have a ready stock of locally and n Experience of either working with sustainably sourced hazel beanpoles, children or teaching pea sticks and garden canes, to supply Plunkett announces ten to Bristol growers. If you are interested n Driving licence successful Our Urban Shop please get in touch and we could arrange n Excellent cooking skills pilot areas suitable delivery or pick-up options. n Commitment to healthy eating and Ten areas will benefit from a pilot project lifestyle n Beanpoles – £10 per bundle of 10. to enable better access to affordable food Approx. 8' length and 1"–2” diameter. n Able to work during the holidays and by helping groups to establish community- n Pea Sticks – £10 per bundle of 10. weekends owned shops. Approx. 5’ height. Initially this post is offered on a casual Our Urban Shop is a project funded by n Garden Canes – £5 per bundle of 10. basis. Average of 2 days a week. £10/h the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Various sizes available For further information please email delivered by the Plunkett Foundation and [email protected], Other coppice products available via the Locality. It will deliver specialist support or phone 0776 966 5020. website, or get in touch if you ever have worth £5,000 to ten groups to help any specific requirements or queries. www.thegoodcookschool.co.uk them set up community-owned shops, replicating a model that has been hugely www.fionadewert.co.uk successful in rural communities looking to combat similar issues. The project will help urban communities create a place Some content for this newsletter is taken Growing Schools newsletter for local people to access good quality, from the following e-newsletters: www.growingschools.org.uk affordable food, as well as providing Bristol Green Capital Partnership Plunkett Association opportunities for employment, training http://bristolgreencapital.org/ www.plunkett.co.uk/whatwedo/ and volunteering. newsletters.cfm Eating Better The 10 successsful pilots include WIndmill Soil Association e-news http://www.eating-better.org/get- Hill in Bristol. involved.html www.soilassociation.org/enews www.plunkett.co.uk/newsandmedia/ Food Climate Research network Sustainable Food Cities news-item.cfm/newsid/802 www.fcrn.org.uk (go to email sign-up) www.sustainablefoodcities.org/ Forest of Avon Sustainable Food Trust http://forestofavontrust.org/ http://sustainablefoodtrust.org/ support-us/ Garden Organic e-news www.gardenorganic.org.uk Voscur www.voscur.org/news
18 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015 Regular things
All are welcome to join us on meeting Bristol’s local food update Blaise Walled Kitchen Garden 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 days, including children – come anytime 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 Workdays: 10am–12.30pm Saturdays 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 press them to go a little further by panning 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”. after noon. Entrance is at the green gates 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 Open days: 1–4pm 1st Sunday of the 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 soil quality, population densities etc. But between nos 37+39 Metford Rd, BS6. 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 month 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 Bristol’s Green Belt and agricultural for local food production. produced from these soils takes its right - hinterlands are increasingly being given Please bring sturdy footwear. Contact: 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 Facing the front door of Blaise House, The Avon Green Belt, an area fi ve times having fallen prey to the global food re-creation of the food economies on and 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 Karen at [email protected] or 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. 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 go left through the rose garden until you 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. Lewis on 07906 596460. 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: come to the entrance doors to the walled Transition Bristol and Bristol Food Hub which sees the northern gateway along [email protected] garden OR, go behind the house and www.sustainableredland.org.uk/metford- road-community-orchard/ take the door next to the orangery and go Bristol’s local food update left through a little door into the garden. Royate Hill Community Orchard If you didn’t receive this PDF by email, Please wear sturdy footwear, and make you can send a subscription request for the volunteer leader aware of your arrival. Main orchard day is the 3rd Sunday of future issues to be sent direct to you, to: Contact: Christine Carroll · 0792 870 1369 every month. Additional/alternative day [email protected] [email protected] is 1st Sunday from March to October. Subscribers will also be e-mailed once a http://blaisecommunitygarden.org.uk Contact Mike Feingold 0776 891 5423 fortnight with an e-update of any event if you’d like to join or visit us. information that missed the newsletter deadline. Easton Community Allotment As well as the fruit, we also plant veg, and whoever shows up for workdays when This issue of Bristol’s local food update Thursdays 11–4pm (5pm summer) was compiled by Jane Stevenson and there is a harvest, gets to take food home. A beautiful, green enclave nestled on the Kristin Sponsler. Drinks available, bring snacks to share. edge of Easton. A social space for people Design by Jane Stevenson: Tools and gardening gloves provided. who want to grow vegetables, drink tea www.janestevensondesign.co.uk Compost toilet. Everybody welcome. and share the harvest. No experience Views expressed in this newsletter are necessary – just drop in. Email for map: www.kebelecoop.org/?page_id=28 not necessarily endorsed by Bristol City [email protected] Council. Southmead Fruit Garden www.eastoncommunitygarden.org.uk Bristol Food Network 1st Saturday of the month 10am–3pm Get involved with the Bristol Food Feed Bristol You can find us behind the Whitehall on Network – online, via Facebook or Mons, Tues, Weds & Fridays Glencoyne Square, BS10 6DE. We’re a Twitter. Or explore further via our Communal growing days: Volunteers friendly bunch! Contact us at: Pinterest boards. are welcome on Mondays, Tuesdays [email protected] www.bristolfoodnetwork.org and Wednesdays 9.30am–4pm; www.facebook.com/Southmeadfruitgarden www.facebook.com/ Fridays 9.30–12pm. bristolfoodnetwork?fref=ts Drop in with workshops and events. Trinity Community Gardens @Bristolfoodnet All welcome. Phone to see if we’re here on Gardening drop-in sessions www.pinterest.com/bristollocalfoo/ Saturday: 0117 917 270 Last Saturday of the month 11am–5pm www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/people/ Volunteer drop-in sessions. Learn to grow Bristol Green Capital feedbristol/feedbristol.html fruit, veg & herbs at the Trinity Gardens. Get fit, work outside, meet people, and Email us for details of the next Bristol Green Capital Partnership Food Action Golden Hill Community Garden gain knowledge and practical experience. Group meeting. 10am–4pm Wednesdays Drinks provided, but please bring lunch! [email protected] We always have a range of jobs to suit www.3ca.org.uk/activities/garden ability and preferences. Free feel to come Sign-up for the Partnership newsletter: down for a chat and a look around with no Woodcroft Community Orchard http://bristolgreencapital.org/news/ commitment to stay. You can drop in for Workdays 1st Saturday of the month …and for events news during 2015: an hour or stay all day whatever fits round On the edge of Nightingale Valley on www.bristol2015.co.uk/ your life or energy levels. former allotment ground at Woodcroft www.thegoldenhillcommunitygarden.com Road. Now planted with over 50 trees and numerous soft fruits. Metford Rd Community Orchard [email protected] 3rd Sunday of the month all year round; http://woodcroftcommunityorchard. 1st Sunday too between March–October wordpress.com/ MRCO is a small organic orchard based on www.facebook.com/ permaculture principles growing apples, WoodcroftCommunityOrchard plums, pears, medlars, quince, gages, nuts, a multitude of different currants Find a growing group near to you at: and berries, a vine with grapes and figs, www.bristolfoodnetwork.org/local-food- a herb garden and a chutney veg plot. map/
19 bristol’s local food update · March–april 2015