BRISTOL FOOD NETWORK Bristol’s local food update2014 community project news · courses · publications · events january–february

Happy New Year! 2013 ended with a flurry of energy and activity around the launch of a Good Food Plan for Bristol. As we steel ourselves to get-going again in 2014, it’s good to recall the level of enthusiasm bursting out of City Hall from the Plan’s launch event back in November. We have a Plan that everyone in Bristol can get behind, and get involved with. All we need to do now, is to put it into action… Please email any suggestions for content of the March–April newsletter to [email protected] by 14 February. Bristol allotments available! Contrary to popular belief we have many gardening. It may surprise you to know for wildlife, with organic gardeners making sites with vacant plots or little waiting that you can grow flowers and fruit as up a large proportion of plotholders. well as vegetables, have a small lawn and time, and there are plots available of The dull days of winter may not seem the even a barbecue, and are also allowed to varying sizes all over Bristol, from very ideal time to be thinking about gardening, small plots for newcomers and those keep hens and rabbits on part of your plot but taking on a plot at this time of year with little time, to larger plots for those (please ask permission!). With the cost of can be a real antidote to the winter blues who have more time and experience. fruit and vegetables ever spiralling, this (SAD), and clearing, digging and planning may also help with the family budget, and Allotments are a great way to grow your your plot over the winter months helps spare produce can be shared with friends, own fruit and veg as well as gaining us look forward to spring. If you are colleagues and neighbours, or made into exercise and meeting a community of interested in getting a plot, check out the preserves such as jam or chutney. website for details of how to apply for a like-minded people, so there are usually plot in your area. other plotholders around to give you good Recent studies have also shown that advice on many aspects of allotment allotments are really important refuges www.bristol.gov.uk/allotments

Bristol’s local food update is produced by volunteers at the Bristol Food Network, with support from Bristol City Council. The Bristol Food Network is an umbrella group, made up of individuals, community projects, organisations and businesses who share a vision to transform Bristol into a sustainable food city. The Network connects people working on diverse food-related issues – from getting more people growing, to developing healthy-eating projects; from tackling food waste, to making Bristol more self-sufficient. Update from the Food Policy Council

On Friday 29 November, 2013, the Bristol Food Policy Council, Bristol Food Network, Bristol Pound, Bristol Green Capital, and Eat Drink Bristol Fashion co-hosted over 120 representatives of Bristol’s thriving and growing ‘Good Food’ sector for a day of thinking, talking, and ‘putting flesh on the bones’ of the ‘Bristol Good Food Plan’ which was launched on the day. This group of highly committed attendees also brainstormed ideas for the Bristol ‘Food Connections’ events which will occur in and around the BBC’s Food and Farming Awards Fortnight from 1–11 May 2014. The participants started the day off by viewing the What Does Good Food Mean for Bristol animation (now available to view on the Bristol Food Policy Council website), produced by local Bristol animator Ryan Biercewicz, and scripted by Angela Raffle, Public Health representative on the Bristol Food Policy Council and Joy Carey, independent food systems planner and author of the Who Feeds Bristol report. Clare McGinn of the BBC and Lorna Knapman of Love Food Festivals and co-curator of the Food Connections The plan is built around 8 system changes The morning finished off with a saved- events introduced the plans for May 2014, for the city-region, including: from-landfill delicious lunch, provided by and Angela then gave a brief but inspiring FareShare Southwest. n Transforming Bristol’s food culture presentation around the just-released In the afternoon several intrepid delegates ‘Good Food Plan for Bristol’. n Safeguarding the diversity of food retail trooped off in separate directions on n Safeguarding land for food production The Good Food Plan for Bristol lays out the Bristol’s first ‘Good Food tours’! These following vision: n Increasing urban food production included FareShare Southwest, the n Redistributing, recycling, and Matthew Tree Project, the Folk House and Imagine you lived in a truly sustainable composting food waste Square Food Foundation, River Cottage food city, renowned for the vibrancy and Canteen, Ruby and White Butchers and diversity of its food culture, and for a food n Protecting key infrastructure for local the Follow Your Food initiative, Better Food system which, from field to fork, is good food supplies Company, the Severn Project, Yurt Lush, for people, places and the planet. A city n Increasing the market opportunities for Southville Primary’s Tuck Shop project, where good food is visible and celebrated local and regional food suppliers and last but not least, Mark’s Bread in every corner and where everyone has n Supporting community food enterprises. and Café! The feedback from all of the access to fresh, seasonal, local, organic tours was that the attendees found them and fairly traded food that is tasty, healthy The direction of the event was then educational, illuminating, and inspiring. and affordable, no matter where they live. handed off to the capable hands of Liz Zeidler, who crammed 3 inspiring and The outcomes of the day are in the process Picture a city where every school, energising sessions of Open Space of being written up and distributed to all hospital or care home, every restaurant conversations around 2 overarching of the delegates. They will appear on the and work place canteen serves only questions: Bristol Food Policy website shortly. delicious sustainable food; where good What events do I want to help make food enterprises multiply and thrive; happen during the 2014 festival, and how Links where people of every age, and from do we get there? http://bristolfoodpolicycouncil.org/ every background, are developing skills in growing and cooking and are What actions (projects/activities) do I want www.bristolfoodnetwork.org/ practically involved in creating a positive to help make happen to deliver the Bristol http://bristolpound.org/ Food Policy Good Food Plan on the ground, and inclusive food culture in their own http://bristolgreencapital.org/ communities. and how do we get there? http://eatdrinkevents.co.uk/ Watch the lively film of the day produced Would you want to live in a city like this? www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03nycpj/ by Becky Bell, to get an idea of the We believe that that this is an achievable features/awards-categories reality for Bristol…. response to these questions. Available on the Bristol Food Policy Council website. continued on p.3

2 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Update from the Food Policy Council continued

Sid’s diary Sid Sharma is a co-owner of the Thali Cafés. “I have been to many conferences where I spend more time looking at the clock on the wall, hoping that lunch time is nearing, but not for a moment did I feel this urge for a second at this event. The energy in the large civic space was palpable, and conversations compelling; the best example of an ‘open space’ style Who thought that conferences could be fun? – Delegates at the Food Gathering convention I have ever been to. I always hoped that this would be an actions- momentum on. Then, once that framework The main objectives for the two days were: focused session and that it was. We have is there, it frees people to see their small n Create a shared understanding of the all had, as a movement, enough time to part of the action as an element in the power of participative action planning analyse, discuss and document; we know bigger picture, and everyone gains new process. See more about this at: what needs to happen to make food far resolve from seeing that others are doing www.dailymotion.com/video/ more resilient and citizens healthier and important things too. Arguments about x16okx7_participatory-approach-to- happier. what to do first then melt away because urban-policy-making-local-support- everyone can see that if each person is The time is now and all those people goups-urbact-david-story_news doing what they are good at and have who attended the event last week, I am influence over that is in fact the best n Foster capacity to develop a sure are ready to start the ‘Good Food’ course. participative action-planning process revolution. n Share tools and methods to successfully co-produce a good Local Action Plan Kristin’s diary Angela’s diary n Generate ideas for the sustainability of Kristin Sponsler the Local Action Plan Dr Angela Raffle is represents a Consultant in The Local Action Plan is defined as: community groups Public Health. and initiatives on the a policy instrument The event achieved Food Policy Council. and all that we hoped an integrated action plan for. I’ve seldom 29 November Food seen so many animated conversations, Gathering Event reflections Some main elements that should be ideas, and resolute commitments fostered What a day! I was stationed at reception included: in one room and in one event. The ‘open for most of the day so not able to take part a) City context and definition of the initial space’ method meant that every delegate in the amazing Open Space conversations problem could do what was most important to them myself, but from hearing the buzz from the b) Setting of focus and objectives – whether that was finding others to make room and the feedback from participants c) Actions/schedule a plan with, or just soaking it all in and as they rushed out the door to the tours learning, or focusing diverse perspectives or their next destination was “fantastic d) Funding scheme to solve a problem. The afternoon visits event” and “what a great way to spend e) Framework for delivery added that special dimension of meeting a morning!”. I very much look forward to f) Description of the process the people and seeing the projects that seeing what will transpire across the city g) Risk analysis are already bringing real change. The from this amazing day of networking and delicious lunch was the best illustration conversations. As part of this process, we were able to of how wrongheaded it is to view healthy look at several examples of LAPS from and sustainable food as something rather URBACT National Training Day Seminar previous projects to get an idea of the worthy that people won’t be attracted to. Part 2 Report various formats, information included, etc. On 18 November, I, along with Joy Carey, Changing our food system for the better is We also used tools such as ‘force fields’ Dorothy Greaves, and Caitlyn Jones a daunting task. The instinctive response to help figure out all the factors that affect went to London for the URBACT National to any possible action tends to be ‘oh different aspects of our participative Training Day Seminar Part 2. For more but that won’t solve x, y or z’. So, what action planning, and ‘change agents’ to information about URBACT, the 10-city this event achieved was to set out the help determine how to achieve a good partnership project Sustainable Food in ‘big picture’ of what do we mean by really balance of personalities in our Local Urban Communities, that Bristol is part of, ‘good food’, what would a Good Food Support Group (the body of stakeholders or the National Trainings and transnational city look like, and what are the eight that will help to write and deliver our Local events, visit http://urbact.eu/. Big system changes that we need to get Support Plan). continued on p.4 3 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 FPC continued… As far as how ‘sustainable’ the Local Action Plan should be, here are some The Bristol Good Food general observations: n Some key aspects of the ULSG and LAP that should be continuously checked: Plan?? FAQ content, governance, integrated Joy Carey approaches, finance, planning and added value By the end of this article hopefully all n Redistributing, recycling, and n Important to start thinking about the will be much clearer about what the composting food waste – capturing future of the LAP, in particular about its Bristol Good Food Plan is, how it can nutrients, energy and reducing waste implementation and sustainability help Bristol, how it relates to you and n Protecting key infrastructure for local One of the major challenges that will follow you to it… food supplies – making regional and on the creation of our Local Action Plan at local food supply possible What is the Bristol Good Food Plan the end of the URBACT II implementation exactly? n Increasing the market opportunities phase will be securing funding for the for local and regional food suppliers – delivery phase. The last afternoon of the Very simply, it’s a plan for how Bristol street markets, restaurants, school and training focused on this issue. can get more good food onto everyone’s hospital meals plates. It builds on the many good things n To encourage use of Financial already happening and also highlights n Supporting community food enterprises Instruments (defined as any contract areas where there are vulnerabilities – – food buying groups and coops, that gives rise to a financial asset of one aspects that the Who Feeds Bristol report school-run markets, community entity and a financial liability or equity identified. The crucial point is that it’s supported farming instrument of another entity OR A fund not a plan for any single organization to to provide equity, loan or guarantees), Ok, so what can I do? deliver alone. Instead it’s a plan that each the EU Commission have provided for business, organization, institution, group Everyone has a role to play because we all the next programme (from 2014–2020): eat. As Sheila Dillon, (BBC Radio 4 Food and individual can contribute to and it’s Stable regulation framework Programme), says in the new Local Food built around eight ‘system changes’. If we Greater flexibility on setting up Fis – Roots film: Food“ really matters: how you address all of these in parallel – so we are including re-use of existing funds eat, how you shop, crucially affects how working on the whole food system rather Encouraging use in association with the world is.” than just one aspect like saving allotments grants and or improving school meals – we are more Some of us are keen allotment gardeners; Developing ‘off the shelf models’ likely to make some big changes. some of us are great cooks; some of us More information about these options buy meat from our local butchers or fruit So how does ‘system change’ happen? can be found in this booklet which can be and veg from greengrocers; some of us downloaded at: It takes collective action supported get a box of organic veg delivered to us on www.gov.uk/government/uploads/ by good policy and strategy to change a weekly basis; some of us are involved system/uploads/attachment_data/ systems. In the case of food, the in community food enterprises; some file/224755/13-1049-development-and- challenges are big because the food of us have been working hard to reduce delivery-european-and-investment- system is so complex and there is no our food waste; some of us are trying to fund-strategies-guidance-for-leps.pdf clear national food policy. Obviously we improve school meals for our children; in Bristol can’t just act on our own, but all some of us are trying to protect high All in all, it was a valuable learning and over the UK towns and cities are starting quality agricultural land for food, etc. If networking experience for the whole to explore how they can bring a positive each of us contributes to one or more Bristol ‘team’ who attended the Training. influence to bear. Of course, the City of the eight elements, the whole can be The Bristol Food Policy Council, Bristol Council has a key role to play to through greater than the sum of its parts. its governance policy, strategy, structures Good Food activities, and initiatives such and processes. Here in Bristol if we take How does Bristol Food Network fit in? as the Bristol Pound feature heavily in one of the latest URBACT Publications: action locally we can also influence the The aims of the Good Food Plan and the http://urbact.eu/fileadmin/Projects/ national and global. The plan helps us Good Food Charter are what Bristol Food Sustainable_food_in_urban_ pool our collective efforts by working Network exists to support. BFN also has a communities/documents_media/ together towards these eight elements: representative on the Bristol Food Policy SustainableFood-Thematic-Interim- Council. These are all mechanisms to help n Transforming Bristol’s food culture – Report-DELIVERING-Nov13.pdf growing food, cooking from scratch us join the dots around our collective work on food. Networks don’t happen on their The next URBACT transnational exchange n Safeguarding the diversity of food retail own: they need ways of communicating (Urban Food Policy Mix) will happen in – keeping our local shopping areas alive and sharing information; shared goals Brussels on 5 February, 2014: n Safeguarding land for food production – and interests; events that bring people www.sustainable-everyday- caring for our precious soil resources together etc. They also need resources. project.net/urbact- n Increasing urban food production – BFN will be the home for the new Bristol sustainable-food/2013/12/04/ creating employment, supplying fresh Food Connections festival being planned save-the-dates/ food for May 2014 and 2015, which is all about involving as many people as possible and creating a good food culture for Bristol.

4 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Bristol snippets

Bristol Green Volunteer winners! Congratulations to Feed Bristol and the Severn Project, joint winners in the Bristol Natural History Consortium’s Green Volunteers Awards 2013, in the ‘Food Award’ category. Congratulations Local Food Roots also go to Dale Cranshaw of Growing Support, who won the Green Volunteer Incredible Edible Todmorden and George A new film to celebrate the local food Coordinator of the Year award. You can movement. Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol, is available for read more about this project on p.6. viewing online: “Food really matters: how you eat, how you www.bnhc.org.uk/home/ http://localfoodfilm.org.uk/ shop, crucially affects how the world is.” jobsvolunteering/green-volunteers- Sheila Dillon, The Food Programme, What you can do – start a local food awards.html BBC Radio 4 discussion and help publicise the film Bristol joins the Rockefeller 100 The purpose of the film is to tell the World premiere in Bristol! Resilient Cities Network story of what’s been achieved but also As a member of the Rockefeller 100 The first public screening took place stimulate discussion about where we need Resilient Cities Network, Bristol will in Bristol on 20 November at Creative to go next. It is licensed for community receive support to create a new senior Common, who did a grand job with screenings so anyone can buy a DVD hosting the event as part of their Green post to lead on Resilience Planning – and organise their own screening. There Wednesdays series of film and food tackling robust emergency planning, are ideas on the film website for how to nights. The screening was preceded by and addressing long-term threats to run a screening, organise a discussion a delicious meal of locally sourced food energy security, food systems, public and make best use of the film. If you prepared by Josh Eggleton’s team at Yurt health and the city region’s economy. are interested in how to build more Lush and followed by a short discussion. This builds on work such as Bristol’s sustainability and resilience in the food Look out for more public screenings during Peak Oil Report and Who Feeds Bristol system or trying to get more people to January–March 2014. Report. think about where their food comes www.rockefellerfoundation.org/ About the film from or encouraging more people to get involved in your own food project, this blog/33-resilient-cities-announced- Local Food Roots is a 35 min documentary would be an invaluable resource. We by film chronicling the emergence of the would like as many people as possible UK local food movement since 1990. The With Mustard: Cooking and eating in to screen it and organise a local food last two and a half decades have seen a Bristol and beyond discussion in March 2014. Keep an eye on significant shift in food culture in which An extended blog post/photo essay the website and buy a DVD. Follow the film the local food movement has played a key from the Food and Land Gathering at on twitter (@localfoodroots) and check out role. This film is about how that innovative Feed Bristol, in October. Plus other the Facebook page: local food movement has emerged from food tales & recipes...

a handful of pioneers battling against www.facebook.com/LocalFoodRoots http://foodwithmustard.blogspot. the odds in the early 1990s to the diverse “This is an untold story that should be co.uk/2013/12/blue-fingers-and- UK-wide movement of today. It explores heard. It features some of the good food open-eyes.html the diversity, motivations, challenges and work going on in Bristol too. It’s important opportunities and what this might mean that we reflect on what’s been achieved The Ethicurean for the future. so far and start talking about what needs A beautiful photo story portrait of The film was funded by the Big Lottery to happen next. We hope groups and the Walled Garden at Wrington, and Local Food Fund, written by Joy Carey organisations in Bristol and indeed all how its produce is transformed in the and is a co-production by f3 local food across the UK will use the DVD to organise Ethicurian’s award-winning restaurant consultants CIC (www.localfood.org.uk) their own screenings with local food in the garden’s former glasshouse. discussions to inspire more people to get and Sprout Films (sproutfilms.co.uk). www.freundevonfreunden.com/ involved.” The trailer, featuring Sheila Dillon, Radio 4’s workplaces/the-ethicurean/ The Food Programme, Pam Warhurst, Joy Carey Getting creative with festive leftovers The premiere (locally-sourced) It may be a bit late, but if you’re still dinner at Yurt Lush. inundated with Panettone, leftover roast potatoes or some surplus sprouts, these easy recipes from Francine Russell will turn leftovers into something delicious... www.allaboutfood.uk.com/ downloads/deliciously_easy_ festive_leftover_recipes.pdf

5 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Growing Support Dale Cranshaw

Growing Support, a local social is working together as a group, socialising enterprise, has been supporting and creating a sense of achievement to residents of Bristol care homes to get alleviate this. Dale continues “We want to growing throughout 2013. Growing bring the benefits of community gardening Support uses social and therapeutic to people in care who may not otherwise horticulture to engage people living in be able to access these kinds of projects, care in activity sessions in their care or their community. We have our own homes’ gardens. Fresh from winning team of volunteers which support each UWE’s Social Enterprise of the Year session so that every resident gets lots of Award and Green Volunteer Coordinator interaction and support.” of the Year Award at the Green Awards, Residents taking part in the activities Bristol Food Network finds out more have been sowing seeds and planting about Growing Support. out vegetables, fruit and flowers, making Growing Support was set up in response rockeries, bird feeders and elderflower to the Director’s own experience of caring cordial and harvesting their produce. The for family members in residential care difference made to their gardens is already who were often bored, frustrated and had clear as they are full of colourful flowers very little opportunity to go outside. This attracting wildlife and a range of fresh turned out not to be an isolated problem, vegetables, fruit and herbs that residents in 2005 the Department of Health found can enjoy. that 50% of older people in care never go In 2014 Growing Support aims to make outside. an even bigger impact, reaching more Growing Support’s activities are led vulnerable people in care and growing by a qualified Social and Horticultural more fresh produce. “We now have access Therapist with support from community to a polytunnel and plan to grow more of volunteers, families and care staff. the resources used at each session from Social and Therapeutic Horticulture seed. We are also planning to grow more is an emerging profession which uses of the vegetables and fruit that the homes horticultural related activities to improve we work with need, in their own gardens, the health and wellbeing of vulnerable reducing food miles dramatically and people and those with disabilities. Dale improving the quality of food in care. To do Cranshaw, Director of Growing Support this effectively we need more volunteers.” explains: “People have long benefited Volunteers are central to Growing Support’s from growing plants and relaxing in the approach and they are looking for more garden but it is only recently that studies people to volunteer and get involved. If have demonstrated exactly how gardens you want to try something new this year, can help our physical and mental health. are interested in gardening and nature We now know that ‘passive’ experiences and want to help support older people, with nature, such as sitting in the garden please get in touch. Sessions last for or simply views of nature, can reduce 2 hours and are run in several different stress. More ‘active’ experiences on the homes’ gardens across Bristol. Personal other hand, such as digging or planting, or professional experience of supporting can increase orientation, improve physical vulnerable people is essential, but functioning and help us stay fit and training will be given in the use of social healthy. Garden activities provide multi- and therapeutic horticulture with the sensory stimulation which have been client group. shown to aid in pain control, relaxation and reduction of anxiety.” Interested? Growing Support is recruiting volunteers now, with their next training In its first year Growing Support has been event expected to be held in February focussing on supporting older people 2014. For more information and an and people with dementia in residential application form, contact us by: and day care settings. Many people email [email protected] with dementia experience loneliness, or phone 07581 281578. depression or anxiety. An important part of Growing Support’s gardening sessions www.growingsupport.co.uk

6 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Update on the Traders’ Food Read more online ‘Digesting’ food waste can turn trash into money Waste and Recycling Scheme digest: A round-up of US efforts to Martin Fodor divert food waste from landfill. http://thinkprogress.org/ Particpants at November’s Green Capital been time to take stock of the service. climate/2013/11/20/2938021/ small business event, held by Low Viridor have offered assurances about anaerobic-digesters-food-waste/ the current service which is really helpful. Carbon SouthWest, Business West, Food waste in Japan: How eco-towns Nevertheless some traders have asked and local traders’ groups, heard about and recycling loops are encouraging what it means for them. Quite rightly each the Traders’ Food Waste and Recycling self-sufficiency Scheme as one of the talks in an evening needs to check terms and conditions of digest: Food Waste Recycling Law of networking, learning and discussion. their new contracts with Viridor. I have allowed the Japanese food industry to The event was designed to inspire meanwhile been in dialogue with Viridor to reduce, reuse, and recycle an average local small businesses to become more get the best deal for traders and to ensure of 82% of its food waste in 2010. involved in the exemplary work that will no adverse changes take place, especially make the city a European Green Capital affecting the smallest businesses. There http://foodtank.org/news/2013/11/ in 2015. could be other options. Some positive food-waste-in-japan-how-eco- ideas about how we can work together towns-and-recycling-loops-are- Managing waste better, and tackling high are, however, being discussed as we go encouraging-self impact wastes like unavoidable food to press so hopefully as the new year gets waste, need to be part of the city’s good underway the scheme will be continuing to The Incredible Edible: Ten steps practice when we’re an international grow and develop to offer the best sevice digest: Ten tips for an incredible destination for learning about how cities and the best environmental outcome as edible community, neighbourhood or can be fit for the future. The business well, benefitting traders, neighbours and town. community will need to play its part in the food system too. Working with a larger this, along with everyone in the city. http://stirtoaction.com/the- company can be helpful if we can benefit incredible-edible-ten-steps/ Changes are underway in the scheme, from their extra resources. meanwhile. The transfer of all of Innovation of the week: Gardening It’s meant some delays working with CollectEco’s collection business to Viridor ‘Boot Camps’ for troubled youth new groups of traders but the continuing has just taken place. This means the interest from local businesses means this digest: Rather than a jail term, a small, dedicated recycling collection scheme should be part of what makes the programme from the Cook County company which has been partner to the city a European example through to 2015 Boot Camp in Illinois is finding ways scheme since the service specification and beyond. to reach troubled youth and inmates was developed for traders is no longer through urban gardening. involved in working with the cafes and Martin Fodor http://blogs.worldwatch.org/ restaurants (they are now concentrating [email protected] nourishingtheplanet/innovation-of- on reuse activities). This means it’s 0790 534 0972 the-week-gardening-boot-camps-for- troubled-youth/

The surprising healing qualities ... Video of dirt Baking Bread Transforming a conventional orchard digest: A doctor discovers exposure to The Bread Group get together every into a fruit forest healthy farm soil holds keys to healthy Thursday at Knowle West Health Park to Kickstarter appeal to raise money for a bodies. bake and sell their very popular bread film about Miracle Farms – transforming www.yesmagazine.org/issues/how- and to socialise. They love it and they a 12 acre conventional commercial to-eat-like-our-lives-depend-on-it/ welcome anyone to join and learn. orchard into a self-sustaining how-dirt-heals-us www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAlx2Xf6 permaculture food forest. Hackney gives £100,000 to turn bFM&feature=youtu.be http://edibleschoolyard.org Mabley Green into the park you Relational Eating: Re-foresting Afghanistan can eat Vicki Robin at TEDxSeattle Mariam Raqib, whose family fled digest: London could be soon home How Vicki Robin’s experiment in 10-mile Afghanistan after the Soviet Union’s to the world’s largest ‘edible park’ in eating not only changed how she ate, invasion, has been establishing Hackney – beating the 7-acre Beacon but also renewed her hope and rooted nurseries and local expertise to reforest Food Forest in Seattle which opened her in her community. Afghanistan, providing food in a in 2009. www.resilience.org/ decimated landscape. www.standard.co.uk/news/london/ stories/2013-12-03/relational-eating- http://permaculturenews. hackney-gives-100000-to-turn- vicki-robin-at-tedxseattle org/2013/12/04/re-foresting- mabley-green-into-the-park-you- afghanistan/ can-eat-8961772.html

7 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Talking closed loop with Soup Troop: Good soup for a good cause Tom Robinson

Soup Troop Ltd is a new Bristol-based Paul Healy at Soup Troop’s first market social enterprise currently experimenting stall on Tuesday 10 December at the with building a new socially-driven University of Bristol’s Farmers’ market, business from scratch. We are aiming Tyndall Avenue. to use community-based suppliers and facilities to create fresh, hand-made as importantly, they offer fresh, organic, hot soups to sell at local markets to add locally grown, seasonal vegetables for value to local produce and create profit wholesale every week at very good prices to re-invest into the Bristol community. – perfect for making soup. Having moved to Bristol in the summer Number two on our wish-list was a space of 2013, we quickly became aware of the to make our soup. While our home city’s unique focus on community spirit kitchens have seen their fair share of and the amazing array of local community delicious dishes, they weren’t up to projects, food initiatives and small the standards required for the health, businesses. We were keen to have a go safety and hygiene of a business. Luckily ourselves. After some discussion, the idea for us, the kitchen at Coexist Hamilton of our ‘social soup’ was reached. We were House offered us a brilliant modern going to create a completely closed-loop cooking space with a fantastic range of social enterprise that would earn, spend equipment more than up to the job of and distribute all of its money within the soup manufacturing. As a bonus, Hamilton Bristol community. The plan was to use House is a community hub, providing a local vegetables from community projects projects to help give a healthy meal to variety of spaces for start-up businesses to cook soup in a community kitchen, re- disadvantaged social groups. Soup Troop and community projects, so Coexist’s invest takings into buying more vegetables is lucky enough to receive a variety of veg values fit nicely with our closed-loop idea. and donate profits to local homeless that would otherwise be wasted. Similarly, Finally, we needed a company, and so charity The Julian Trust. we contacted the Bristol Gleaning Soup Troop Ltd was born. Young graphic Network who harvest fresh produce from The Julian Trust run a Night Shelter in designer Sarah Bull helped us create a farmers’ fields to cut down on food waste. St Pauls which provides a warm meal to strong logo for our brand, and we chose This produce is either not collected by 80–100 guests 5 nights a week and 18 a name that would be memorable and mechanised farming systems, is not single beds for overnight accommodation. hint at our social goals. We contacted a Soup Troop believes that a healthy society aesthetically pleasing enough for the mass number of markets and launched in early should be all inclusive and so we are markets or is simply excess stock. This glut December 2013, selling our ‘conscientious proud to support the Julian Trust Night of quality seasonal produce often dictates soup’ to the people of Bristol at markets Shelter in providing the necessary support the soup flavours Soup Troop produces. around the city. to those in the greatest need. These organisations are undeniably brilliant, however we understand that To provide this support and get our show there is a lot of competition for the fruits on the road (or more correctly, stall on (and vegetables) of their labours and the market) we needed three things: that charities providing primary services vegetables, a kitchen, and a company. may be more in need of their produce The first of those was easy – Bristol had than us, so we looked for a local supplier a huge number of options available to with a large variety of fresh vegetables us, and we’ve approached a few who on offer for sale. Step in The Community were more than happy to help. FareShare Farm. The Community Farm is a member- collect and redistribute surplus food from owned Community Benefit Society (a type Like us on Facebook and follow us on local businesses that would otherwise of co-operative) that provides a diverse Twitter @souptroopltd go to landfill as waste. They distribute group of people the chance to reconnect For details of our events – we’d love to see food to a variety of local community with where their food comes from. Just you! – visit www.souptroop.co.uk

8 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 The Hearty Gardeners met the Mayor Tiny Trowels get planting… … and learning to talk to him about their work The Active Citizens Programme at Windmill Hill City Farm Spotlight on the Community Gardening Projects Active Citizens have developed this year Sara Venn Active Citizens Community Gardening Facilitator

When I moved to Bristol in February brought into the discussions and was Christmas and herbs on their balconies. of this year, my experience of the asked to facilitate the project, which was One parent now belongs to a community industry within which I work, was of a quickly titled The Tiny Trowels. group that has an allotment on the farm. nurserywoman and grower of plants, be Another has set about making a piece they for the large, well known nursery of land in South Bristol her own garden, I was employed by, or for my own small regardless of whether she will be able venture, The Physic Garden. The main to keep it on or not. Many of our parents reason that I moved to Bristol was that thought gardening was hard, scary or I was really excited by the amount of overwhelming, and what we have allowed community gardening projects that were them to realise is that it’s the taking part in the city and that the population of that is so vital and that ‘success’ is not Bristol wasn’t sitting around thinking measured by what you produce, but by it impossible to grow food, as well as how the activity makes you feel, both ornamentals, within the confines of the The Tiny Trowels physically and mentally. urban environment. The group’s focus is that it allows parents/ Helen: “It’s so lovely to come along every Through the power of social media I found carers/guardians etc to learn about Monday, a great way to start the week, it Windmill Hill City Farm. I very quickly growing food within the confines of a such a unique group, I don’t think there is became involved with The Active Citizens safe community allotment space. It has anything that’s like it in Bristol.” Programme, which is managed by Jules 4 huge raised beds which are the perfect Allan, and began volunteering with one of height and size for gardening with under Kirsty: “I have just moved to the area so the Active Citizens Projects – The Hearty 5s. This allows the children to learn about it’s great to have something like this close Gardeners. This group of volunteers has gardens, worms, compost, harvesting food by. It’s lovely to come & garden with my run a community allotment, the farm’s and a myriad of other things, whilst they daughter as well as be with other parents, Herb Garden and a fruit growing area, are in the safe environs of a community I have started to really feel a part of the learning together about gardening and farm. When the project first began in May community and make new friends.” we expected perhaps 3 or 4 parents to growing food. The group has attracted Sandra: “We love that its outside, Molly turn up but what actually happened was a really diverse and interesting range loves putting her wellies on whatever that in the first few weeks we had at least of people, young and old, from all the weather! We don’t have a garden so 20. Often 25+ parents turned up with their over Bristol. The funding for the Hearty it’s great for us both to be playing and children and we grew huge amounts of Gardeners sadly came to an end in learning about gardening together. Sara is both food and ornamental plants, all from December 2013, but we are looking to fantastic at knowing so much and being so seeds and cuttings, which have been used have a new programme of community kind in helping a novice gardener like me.” gardening projects next year at the farm on The Tiny Trowels allotment space as as part of the new Lottery Funded Project well as around the farm for various other We have signed up to be key partners with ‘People Grow’. projects. the fantastic Parents 4 play campaign led by Bristol Scrapstore, encouraging us all Tiny Trowels truly opened my eyes to the to explore and promote play and learning importance and necessity of growing for op-opportunities with children. Family Gardening many people. Many of the families have During 2013 Jules and a couple of parents no garden at all and yet Tiny Trowels For more information about this campaign had been discussing the idea of a has enabled them to grow anywhere have a look at their Parents 4 Play gardening group for children and parents. and to be confident. Families living in Facebook Page or visit: As the concept of a project emerged I was flats are growing paperwhite narcissi for www.childrensscrapstore.co.uk Continued on page 10 9 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Parents 4 Play Launch Day Our two star Hearty Gardener Volunteers Sara and Jules show off their first Marie and James who have been Cucumber that has grown this year volunteering with us right from the start

The Active Citizens Programme at Windmill Hill City Farm continued

“The Tiny Trowels team totally understand are unsure of how to begin or afraid that What is the Active Citizens Programme? young children and their desire to explore, they don’t have enough knowledge and so Active Citizens is a Community Programme touch, taste, and fidget, and supported will end up not being able to participate funded by the Nominet Trust at Windmill parents in feeling safe and confident with or will look silly. In these sessions the aim Hill City Farm. We have been listening to the activity. My daughter learnt to plant is to empower people. The first session people and finding out what community broad beans, discovered that slugs like will be based around the history of urban projects they would like at the farm, radishes and enjoyed being with other pre- gardening and how it has led to the from this feedback we have developed school children who had great fun getting way people garden within a city today, community projects and volunteer projects dirty. Finished off with a lovely story, we and the following 3 weeks will be giving for people to get involved in at the farm. felt warm and fuzzy and ready for the rest knowledge of how they can garden in the Each Active Citizen Community project of our day.” city. Allotments, seasonality, community has Active Volunteers involved in the Sarah Callan Parents 4 Play Coordinator projects, permaculture, balcony gardening development and the decision making and much more will be covered, with the with Jules, the Active Citizens Coordinator, In the New Year we will be taking Tiny final session being one that is purely supporting the development, managing or Trowels out into the community for practical and begins the excitement of overseeing the projects. outreach projects and we would love to growing a crop, however large or small. hear from any groups and organisations For further info about The Active Citizen that think they might like to share in this For me, personally, I garden and therefore Community Programme please contact experience. I am. I believe that everyone ought to be allowed to produce a beautiful space that Jules Alan by email: is also productive and useful to their life, [email protected] The Urban Gardening and that this is possible within the urban Blog: whcf.wordpress.com Workshops landscape. The aim of my professional life, Face Book: Active Citizens Community through The Physic Garden, is to enable Projects (WHCF) The workshops which I am running in people to have this space, be it a tiny January and early February, came out of balcony, a windowsill or a 40 acre estate. For further information about The the experience of Tiny Trowels. There are Physic Garden please contact sara@ a lot of people I talk to who are excited by See p.24 for more details. thephysicgarden.co.uk or take a look at the prospect of gardening in the city but www.thephysicgarden.co.uk

Things we like!

The Edible Schoolyard project Thomas Etty Esq catalogue The Lexicon of Sustainability Founder, Alice Waters’ mission statement: Local, old (18th & 19th century), and The Lexicon has been compiled through “What we are calling for is a revolution unusual varieties of seeds from an 3 years of conversations across America, in public education – the Delicious Illminster supplier. Wild Sea Beet, discussing aspects of the food and Revolution. When the hearts and Bilberry, Thousand-headed kale, Nine farming system with a diverse range minds of our children are captured by a Star Perennial broccoli, Mr Wheeler’s of people. These conversations have school lunch curriculum, enriched with Imperial cabbage, Blance de Kuttingen attempted to demystify sustainabililty experience in the garden, sustainability carrots, Quarantina turnip greens, culinary terminology, and to reclaim this language will become the lens through which they Nasturtiums, Pignuts and many more for everyone. Ideas have been transformed see the world.” delights! into accessible artworks, pop-up The network currently has over 3,000 http://api.ning.com/files/etWx3bZZ exhibitions, short films and campaigning locations registered as members – xYo24c3i*YEq7gkLfMTtDNnsM*mN5 tools … But it all looks a lot more beautiful including some in the UK. The website has w193Dtr6xpd6ooN4*CYOYDbvD1U1SF than that sounds! useful resources for plot-to-plate teaching. XL4hFWWgjQ9BF1wzp-AsUdcN-pcLE/ www.lexiconofsustainability.com/ http://edibleschoolyard.org ThomasEttySeedCatalogue2014.pdf

10 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Taking Stock at Edible Futures Read more online 9 Urban food policies for strong local It’s been a busy year for us at Edible available for Bristol gardeners and food systems Futures with plant propagation, community projects. This year’s stock digest: How can a city harness the community workshops, the market garden ranges from apples and plums to sharing economy to expand local food and the planting of our new forest garden. gooseberries and gojis. The fabulous production and improve access to Our workshops this year were focused in summer has given many of the plants a good food for its residents? the beginning part of the growing season great first years growth, despite attacks www.shareable.net/blog/9-urban- and gave people the opportunity to try from the deer that stalk the woods around food-policies-for-strong-local-food- out various types of propagation such as our site in Nightingale valley. Plants can systems grafting, root cuttings and leaf cuttings. be ordered over the phone to be delivered Most of the canopy and shrub layer of the to Bristol addresses, delivery costs £5 Sustainable business: Growing home forest garden is now in the ground too, or is free for orders over £50. For a full gives roots to those in need under sown by a lushness layer of green availability lists and prices get in contact digest: Inspirational urban farming in manure. The market garden has produced with Humphrey Lloyd – details below. Chicago. some great stuff this year ranging from diverse green salad, to purple carrots, to Workshares wanted www.resilience.org/ stories/2013-10-31/sustainable- six kinds of turnip. Most of this has ended We’ve also decided to recruit 3 workshares business-growing-home-gives-roots- its life in the kitchens of Bristol’s greener to help in the market garden this to-those-in-need minded restaurants such as The Farm and coming season. This will be a role where The Workhouse Cafe. Tinkering with our gardeners exchange one day’s labour a Measuring farmland biodiversity new solar powered irrigation system has week for a veg box and a bag of salad. digest: Despite close interaction also been a major feature of this year. The workshares will begin in April and between agriculture and biodiversity – The 12 volt system that is powered by our will work throughout the growing season farms cover one-third of all land – little fantastic solar tree massively reduced in all the aspects of the market garden – is known about the ecological effects our work load during the hot dry summer sowing, hoeing, weeding etc. For a keen of different farming practices. though did not go without its hic-ups person who wants to learn, it will be a as one might expect from a new and great opportunity to work closely with a www.resilience.org/ experimental irrigation system. productive market garden system and see stories/2013-11-01/measuring- the workings of a small farm business. farmland-biodiversity Winter plant sale If you’re interested in doing the work share Agroforestry: Now that the winter is finally with us for the 2014 growing season email or ring The art of farming with trees Edible Futures’ first generation of bare Humphrey for more details. root plants are available for sale from the digest: Combining agricultural and nursery. We are proud to say we have Contact Humphrey Lloyd · 0770 281 0555 forestry techniques to create more a wide range of edible perennial plants [email protected] varied, productive, profitable, and sustainable approaches to land use. www.resilience.org/ stories/2013-11-05/agroforestry-the- art-of-farming-with-trees

How to start the airbnb of kitchen incubators in your community digest: Kitchen incubators offer a way to support local food business start- ups, offering shared, low-cost access to licensed kitchens and professional- grade equipment, connections with suppliers and customers, etc. www.shareable.net/blog/how- to-start-the-airbnb-of-kitchen- incubators-in-your-community

Credibles crowdfunds credit for food businesses digest: Helping food businesses to grow by purchasing online credits which can be redeemed later against produce/products. www.resilience.org/ stories/2013-11-18/credibles- crowdfunds-credit-for-food- businesses

11 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Hartcliffe Community Farm Jessie Marcham

With fields and hedgerows at its back, acres, with a herd of longhorn cows. cash-strapped times, the emphasis and the council estates and tower blocks But maintaining such a large acreage, is edging towards productivity and a of south Bristol at its feet, Hartcliffe especially on the doorstep of a deprived slightly less sentimental approach to the Community Farm is perched quite estate where theft and vandalism are daily livestock. Hartcliffe-raised beef, lamb and literally on the very edge of Bristol. realities, proved untenable, and some of eggs should soon be back on the menu! the outlying fields were sold off so that the Established in the early 1980s, the city Budgerigars, cockatiels and other birds farm is now a more manageable 40 acres. farm began life as a government Youth have long been bred at the farm and sold Back in 1993, the barn, with a new crop of Training Scheme (YTS) project, but for as pets, and the first generation of the hay just brought in, was burnt down in a many years has been owned and run by new micropigs are hopefully in the process suspected arson attack, and Rocky tells the local community as a charity. of finding new homes as house pets. me that the pigsties have been rebuilt at With a herd of sheep, some trendy least once after being destroyed by fire. In a new venture last year, 35 allotment micropigs, and a menagerie of ducks, plots were created at the farm, and an Walking round the farm today, it’s clear geese, chickens, peacocks, budgies and orchard of 50 new apple trees was planted that life has been a bit of a struggle. There more, the farm attracts around 14,000 by volunteers and local school children are signs of wear and decay, abandoned visitors a year. It’s especially popular last winter. The allotments have proved projects and shrinking budgets; I notice with older local residents, as well as popular and productive, with tenants peeling paint, cobbled-up fences, faded young mums with preschool children, coming from as far away as Bedminster information boards, an empty concrete but also hosts school and youth groups to take up the plots. And the farm has pond, and grassland full of docks and from across the city, and has social rooms reinvigorated its commitment to training nettles. But hope and determination seem available to hire for parties and events. and education with new links to City of to spring eternal at Hartcliffe, and Rocky Bristol College; an onsite classroom is now One volunteer explains that despite the has plenty of plans for the future. fields on their doorsteps, most locals let out to the college, and students also who come here would otherwise have no Over the years funding has been cut, come to the farm to learn practical skills in connection to the countryside; for many with the City Council currently providing animal care and land management. only about two thirds of the annual this humble farm is a vital link to the I can see it’s quite an achievement for running costs, so fundraising and income landscape and a host of skills, knowledge this farm on the edge of the city to have generating activities have recently become and inspiration that would otherwise survived at all. Let’s hope that Rocky’s increasingly important. Several local belong to a distant other world. optimism is well founded and that this businesses donated cash and materials to place might just be thriving again soon. Incredibly, some of the unemployed the farm last autumn, which will, amongst workers and YTS lads who built the first other things, help to refurbish the run The farm is open 9am–4pm Tuesday– farm buildings are still involved with down toilet block and create a new set of Sunday, and entry is completely free. the project, and the whole place is run paddocks integrating a circular farm walk. Volunteers, and other offers of help and almost entirely by dozens of dedicated support are always welcome – please The farm has also recently invested in a volunteers. Rocky, the farm’s manager phone, or visit and say hello! new flock of laying hens and expanded and only paid employee, has, equally the herd of sheep, and Rocky hopes to amazingly, now been in post for very replace three recently-despatched elderly Hartcliffe Community Farm, Lampton nearly 30 years. cows with a mixture of polled (non- Avenue, Hartcliffe, Bristol, BS13 0QH As Rocky explains, those three decades horned) breeds in the spring. He explains 0117 978 2014 have been no easy ride, and the farm that there’s always been a tricky balance The farm’s website is being redesigned has evolved to survive many challenges. between keeping animals as much-loved but should be available soon: At one time the land extended to 80 pets, and balancing the books; in these www.hartcliffefarm.org

12 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Square Food Foundation Jessie Marcham

With the simple aim of teaching people offer a much-needed boost in confidence and generous donors – who do everything to ‘cook good food from scratch’, and self esteem to many disadvantaged from helping out in classes to designing this small, new and ambitious social and marginalized students, as well as posters, providing free legal advice and enterprise is no ordinary cookery school. resulting in more healthy eating habits. donating surplus organic chicken – the cookery school currently pays only a After 15 years in prestigious Bristol To illustrate the point, Lucy pulls out a peppercorn rent for its smart new premises restaurants (Rocinantes, Quartier Vert, photograph of some scones. They appear at The Park. They also have a special Bordeaux Quay) chef Barny Haughton unremarkable, but tell an impressive story. relationship with The Lido in Clifton. finally decided to take the plunge and bring The chap who made them arrived at the Members of the spa have adopted the his cookery school to the disadvantaged cookery school unable to even break an Foundation as their goodwill organization, and vulnerable people he’d always wanted egg. Four weeks later he came back to the and in one innovative ‘pan amnesty’ to reach. The Square Food Foundation class with this photograph of the scones initiative, donated hundreds of unwanted was registered as a community interest he had made at home, unprompted, cooking pans for distribution to cookery company in summer 2012, and soon by himself. The immense leap in skills, school students who don’t have their own moved into purpose built premises at The knowledge and, most importantly, pans at home. Park Opportunity Centre in Knowle West. confidence, this demonstrates is impressive. I wonder if a high class chef with Clifton Since then, they have been teaching connections has been well-received just about anyone and everyone how to Beyond working with individuals, the in Knowle, but Lucy assures me that cook, from the sex workers of St Pauls to Foundation also aims to effect wider and they have been made to feel incredibly corporate clients on team building cookery more systemic change in our food culture. welcome here. The school is already masterclasses. They are showing cooks from residential working with many local groups and homes for elderly people how to cook Lucy Holburn, General Manager at the organisations, and The Park offers a safe from scratch on a budget, and working Foundation, enthuses about the many- and inclusive environment for everyone. with primary school teachers to help them layered benefits of cooking even simplest Lucy says she finds that food is a great integrate cooking into the new school foods. She argues that ultimately learning ‘levure’ – it bridges divides and brings curriculum. to cook is about making people feel good; people together – and the Foundation’s cooking and eating good food satisfies Then there are the ‘enthusiast’ master- motto that “everyone has a place at the emotional and social needs, as well as classes, and the Foundation’s work with table” seems to be truly heartfelt. physical hunger. corporate clients. These full-priced classes As to the future, Lucy is hopeful that the help to subsidize the community work, The school offers a huge variety of Foundation may be able to secure some and offer both groups and individuals the different classes for different audiences. core funding in the coming year, and there opportunity to choose from a veritable In ‘community’ classes, which are free or are plans to create a small garden at the feast of off the hook or tailor-made classes low cost, the focus is usually on simple, back of the school in the spring time. More on tapas, macaroons, bread, charcuterie, affordable meals, and courses have imminently, there’s a grand fundraising curry, Italian seasonal ingredients and catered for teenagers, adults with learning dinner to be held on 21 February. With much more. disabilities, families on low incomes, and Barny himself at the stove, side-by-side the residents of a homeless shelter. In a Despite this incredible level of activity, with Freddy Bird of The Lido, it’s billed as regular long running class for over-60’s, energy and ambition, Lucy admits that ‘the best of Bristol by the best of Bristol’. students started with cookery basics, but there have been moments when the future Just like all their work really. have now graduated to more complex of the venture looked bleak. Some of their dishes, and are even learning how to cure corporate clients failed to follow the school The Square Food Foundation their own bacon. from their former glitzy city centre venue The Park, Daventry Road, Knowle West, to their new home in deprived Knowle Bristol, BS4 1DQ Participants on low incomes report that West, and the project has no core funding. their food bills go down after attending 0117 904 6679 Lucy says the school only exists thanks cookery classes at the school, and Lucy [email protected] to Barny’s passion and commitment and says that the classes can also provide a Check the website for upcoming classes, “the good grace of our friends”. safe place for conversations about the to sign up for the cookery school challenges of food shopping, feeding kids, And they do have some well connected newsletter, and to find out more: and healthy eating. New cookery skills can friends. As well as many skilled volunteers www.squarefoodfoundation.co.uk

13 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Tyntesfield news

Tyntesfield, a Victorian, neo-gothic prepared vanilla scented custard. Bakers mansion just 7 miles from Bristol was Rei and Sue have made over 50,000 slices purchased by National Trust in 2002. of cake and scones this year, and the Historically the estate has always been restaurant has sold over 70,000 pots of productive, and staff and volunteers tea! The next job will be making loads of are gradually deepening connections to orange marmalade ready for next month’s local food production across the whole signature cake – sticky orange marmalade estate and further afield. loaf. Yum Yum!

Home produce from the walled kitchen Composting in action – Behind the garden always features on the menus at scenes at the restaurant, our new Ridan Tyntesfield’s Cow Barn Kitchen restaurant composting machines convert all our Max showing his grandmother how to scrat and composting machines process all plate scrapings, peelings, tea leaves and apples at the Blaise Hamlet Apple Day. our catering food waste which goes back coffee grounds into nutritious compost to enrich the soils. Fruit, vegetables and which is goes back into the gardens. cut flowers are on sale to visitors via a Hand-powered, super insulated and produce table in the garden, and several reaching temperatures of around 70°C, more acres of land will shortly come into the machines are saving the National Trust production with the introduction of a new thousands each year on waste disposal, orchard. In the meantime, a touring apple whilst providing free nutritious compost to press has been visiting community groups improve and enrich our soils. Tyntesfield and allotments sites in Bristol. was originally built from wealth generated At the Cow Barn Kitchen Restaurant through sale of fertiliser – this is our new it is already possible to experience the approach to preserving soil fertility. taste of wonderfully fresh, home grown Orchard and fruit pressing – Twenty Cured meats served with beautiful food at Tyntesfield all year round. The minutes walk away from the restaurant, pickled cherries from the Tyntesfield garden team produce a huge array of fruit at the opposite end of the Tyntesfield Victorian walled garden, rocket leaves and and vegetables for the Cow Barn Kitchen estate, plans are underway to create a Tyntesfield medlar jelly. Restaurant and Café to use. In the autumn, new orchard. This will yield fruit for juice, all the gluts of garden fruits are being cider and preserves, extend the already him. All in all, fab couple of hours out and made into pickles and chutneys which rich wildlife habitat, and provide a focus the rain held off!”. Who knew so many should last until next summer when the for family events, cultural activities and different types of apples were grown just whole process starts again. Currently Head training sessions around the theme of on the green and in the gardens of Blaise Chef Giles Evans is using a lot of game, orchard care and fruit. Visitors will be Hamlet? including in the warming local game pie able to see and take part in the process of with lardons of home cured pancetta and planting, growing, harvesting and eating In 2014 we hope to increase the number of puff pastry top. Giles tells us “fresh from produce. events from 4 to about 20 – if you know a the Kitchen our first batch of home cured group who would like to take part, contact To highlight this, the Trust has been meats are ready. The Lomo (dried cured Nicole Armitage on 07557 801087 or bringing a touring apple pressing service pork loin) and Lamb Bresaola (dry cured [email protected] with red wine) are the first of many. All to community groups, schools and the meat is reared locally in Somerset, is allotments sites across Bristol, aiming Jenny Sansom, Outdoors Manager, free range and comes from Jon Thorner’s, to enable people to make the most of National Trust Bristol. our butcher based in Pylle. We cure it in a fruit which would otherwise go to waste. [email protected] mixture of salt, sugar and aromatics, then Our rack and cloth press is based on a 01275 461960 hang until delicious loveliness”. traditional design and can squeeze around 3.5 gallons of juice from two trug buckets www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield The diverse and changing menus always of apples. People bring their own apples utilise fresh produce from the garden, to press, and their own bottles to take with delicious dishes such as fig and away juice in. This autumn we visited four almond fool and aubergine parmigano, Bristol locations including Blaise Hamlet and sometimes even Tyntesfield honey. and Redland Green allotments. At Blaise Monthly signature dishes are created by Hamlet children and adults loved the great the chefs and celebrate seasonal produce community feel and the excitement and from the estate, for example wild garlic intrigue around the process of making bread and butter pudding in April. There apples into apple juice. Jayne Mein who are also lots of gluten free and vegan attended the event with her son Ben said: options, and for those with a sweet tooth the Tyntesfield team have created “Ben really enjoyed it … he spent a lot a comforting crumble from our apples of time watching and assisting with the and medlars which is served with freshly apple pressing which was a big hit with

14 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Following the Plot no.17 Keith Cowling

Autumn on the plot, ‘the back end’ as crops have been lifted in late August. farmers call it, is a time for clearing up This allows time for late varieties to crop and thinking ahead. The new year is well in the following year. If you still need when the planning and preparation for to do this however, plan to plant in early the new season starts. Last autumn was spring by starting new growing points extremely mild with a very warm October on the runners in temporary pots in the and November continuing wet, windy bed to allow their root systems to get and cloudy. By mid December, some established. These can be replanted in leaves were still clinging to trees, but their new positions in spring when the Onions are very sensitive to light and day most were blowing around gardens and soil becomes workable. Also this month, length, so don’t grow them in the shade or accumulating in drifts. give strawberry beds a mulch with the allow them to become choked by weeds. leaf mould described above. This can get I have written before about leaf mould, Once mid summer is passed and the day 50mm thick between rows to suppress the unsung remedy for sticky and length shortens, onions stop growing weeds and deter slugs better than straw. impoverished urban soil. Leaves from leaves and put energy into fattening their broad leaf trees come free for the taking Many plot holders have already planted bulbs. Harvest when leaves begin to and can be turned into mould for only garlic and onions sets, but if you missed yellow or necks collapse and dry bulbs the cost of a wire bin and some patience. the autumn slot you can stretch the well before storing to avoid rot. Little is written about leaf mould because traditional garlic instructions – plant on New year is also the time for planning the it creates no profits for corporations or the shortest day, harvest on the longest – new season and ordering seeds. Before eye-catching displays in garden centres. to allow early new year plantings, provided you do this however, check the dates on In many ways therefore it is the secret that you provide some protection to your old seed packets. Some vegetable ‘magic’ source of fertility for the vegetable delicate shoots during frost and snow. seeds stay viable longer than others, grower. If you have a greenhouse or poly tunnel, so before you order or throw old seeds late January is also a great time to start It adds hummus to the soil and improves away check the helpful doggerel verse onions from seed rather than sets. This aeration, workability and moisture on the packet life of seeds written by the offers a much greater choice of variety. retention, and although its formal nutrient late great Lawrence Hills, founder of the The powerful strains that the Bristol area content is low, it contains the minerals Henry Doubleday Research Association was once famous for have fallen prey to EU that trees mined from the sub soil. Better (now Garden Organic) at http://tpuc.org/ legislation but look out for Giant Zittau if even than this however, well-aged leaf forum/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=16398. you want a good storing onion that packs mould is a major stimulus to the action Oh, and don’t forget to support your local a punch for flavour. Germinate onions of mycorrhizal fungi in the soil, which seed swaps... seeds indoors in trays or modules and establish mutually beneficial relationships move to a cool greenhouse once they are Keith Cowling · [email protected] with the root systems of many common 50mm high. Then plant out 10cms apart Ashley Vale Allotments Association plants and improve uptake of water and (or closer for a heavier crop of smaller www.ashleyvaleallotmentsassociation. nutrients. The presence of a healthy bulbs) in rows spaced wide enough to hoe. org/index.php fungal ecosystem in the soil is particularly important to all members of the cucurbit family (cucumbers, squashes, courgettes, etc) and also to potatoes, legumes, sweetcorn, tomatoes and onions. So while the days are short and the plot is cold and brown, collect and store leaves for future fertility. Stack them in a wire bin and leave for as long as you can – two years at least – moving into bags once the volume has reduced by half. This isn’t much help on new allotments, but once you are into the annual rhythm of collecting and storing, there will be plenty each year for mulching, digging and seed sowing. Another over-winter job on the plot is care of strawberry beds. Strawberries crop well for about 3 years but then begin to produce less. The cure is re-planting in a new location, so strawberries fit well into a four-course rotation plan and can move into the potato course after early main

15 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Medieval forces massing at Winterbourne barn Free range ducks as pest controllers at P.E.A.T. near Hay-on-Wye © zoe mack © richard spalding Agro-ecology and all that – back to the future Richard Spalding

It seems to have been a rich year for delivering food and place security. principles, sees community reasserted alternative scenarios to industrialised All I am trying to suggest here is that at the heart of farming (and gardening) agriculture raising their collective at the heart of this decision-making and delivers the equity which seems heads and voices. A groundswell of was a clear and intimate knowledge to be missing from global agricultural changing times. Many of the notions of local agricultural landscapes, land economics might just enable us to secure behind such phrases as “high nature- capacity, population thresholds, and the all our futures. value” agriculture, “agro-ecology”, importance of fallow periods to re-build Simplistic and naive? Maybe, but the “re-wilding” and moves towards “true soil fertility, local decision making, and sounds and visions coming out of this new cost accounting” in food and farming the role of community resilience in trying wave do have the capacity to challenge focus on one irrefutable truth. That to ensure that people were fed. I leave power and vested interest as we build the contemporary industrialised out a discussion about power and vested our understanding of a new ecological food system with its linear chains of interest in farming until the end of this economics for food and farming. We command, power and influence are piece. see food and farming power now held not delivering long term security for increasingly by corporations and not farmers, communities and indeed the As I sit here in the cold and on World people. As Colin Tudge called from the planet. This was expressed time and Soil Day as well, my mind returns to balcony of the conference... “Surely again in early December at the first that delicious day at Primrose Earth enough is enough”... in advocating what Sustainable Food Trust conference Awareness Trust (PEAT) near Hay-on-Wye he sees as the imperative of a people’s at the Royal Geographical Society where I explored the fashioning of a food takeover of our food system. The peasants headquarters in Kensington Gore. system that includes bio-mimicry as one of its key foundations i.e. developing are truly revolting and the task in Bristol I wonder if medieval agrarian history and growing techniques which follow nature’s and elsewhere is to build our skills base practice also offer us some more ancient ecological system for covering the earth in preparing us for a food future which wisdom about the challenges ahead with edible goodies. recognises ecological principles at its in establishing resilient food scapes. heart, folds in community involvement, David Stone’s wonderful tome Decision Young and old farmers and growers are reduces the role of corporate power and Making in Medieval Agriculture from demanding a wholesale re-engagement allows farmers to make a decent living. A 2005 recounts the minutiae of cropping with soil, land and earth and hoping that fusion of medieval practices in local place- regimes and farming practice in the the days of gigantism in farming, certainly making coupled with a deep knowledge geographical context of the Bishopric of in much of the global north I study, may be of farming practice from across the planet Ely in Cambridgeshire and in particular numbered. might just fly the flag for a truly resilient the Manor of Wisbech. The book is an set of agricultures to sustain us all. If David Stone is right in his interpretation immense piece of scholarship which that medieval rural life and its decision We need a new generation of land-lords discusses the role of the reeve or farm making on farming matters was actually (men and women) and a new land army manager and the detailed processes of far more nuanced than often portrayed in (women and men) to drive this forward. coming to particular decisions to sow, classic images of life in the countryside plant, raise cereals and livestock or to Richard Spalding in those times, then perhaps we can extend pasture or fallow. [email protected] envision what Jules Pretty has always I am not painting the picture of medieval advocated. The delivery of a contemporary farming as flawless and capable of AGRI-CULTURE which folds in ecological

16 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 far left: Theobroma cacao · centre top: Passionflower, bottom: Durian fruit above: Prohibited Durians! Wing your way to the Tropics without leaving home! Alice Maltby

How did the exotic passion fruit obtain fermentation, the seeds are known as Bamboo is one of the fastest growing its name? Why is a simple fruit banned cocoa beans. plants on the planet with reported growth from public transport in Southeast Asia? rates of up to 100cms. in 24 hours. The Chocolate is poisonous to many animals What do vanilla and chocolate really look yellowy-green shoots are common in Asian including cats and dogs because they like in their natural world? Escape from cooking and grow to their full width and contain high levels of theobromine, a cold Bristol day and experience these height within first year of growth, followed a compound which animals cannot tropical foods at Bristol Botanic Garden. by hardening and lateral shooting in later metabolise efficiently. years. A visit to the exotic glasshouses takes you on a journey to the secret treasures of the Another vitally important world food crop Another herb, also used widely in Asian Amazon rainforest, the high veld in South is the yam, Discorea rotundata. They are cuisine is Lemon Grass, Cymbopogon. Africa, the world’s intriguing cloud forests particularly valuable in West Africa in the The subtle citrus flavour is dried and used and a magical display of tropical food and yearly period of food scarcity since some in a powdered form or used fresh. It is medicinal plants. varieties can be stored up to six months common in teas, soups and curries and without refrigeration. Yams of the African with poultry, fish, beef and seafood. The Passion Fruit was given its name by species must be cooked first to be safely missionaries because parts of the flower eaten as various natural substances in raw Finally, we come to the infamous Durian seemed reminiscent of the torture (The fruit. No other fruit creates such conflicting yams can cause illness if eaten. Passion) of Christ prior to the Crucifixion. opinions. Throughout Southeast Asia, The two types of fruit, either bright yellow Ever wondered why some vanilla products the green, hedgehog-shaped ‘king of the or dark purple, are eaten and juiced all are so expensive? Vanilla Planifolia is the fruits’ is appreciated as haute cuisine over the world. The Portuguese use it as a climbing species of an orchid with leaves to be savored like wine or truffles. The base for a liqueur, whereas in Mexico it is up to 15cm long. It is the second most edible flesh emits a distinctive odour that eaten raw with chilli powder and lime. expensive spice in the world after saffron. is strong and penetrating even when the The labour costs are high because, when husk is intact. Some people regard the Another tropical fruit to see, Sour Sop, cultivated, the flower has to be hand- durian as pleasantly fragrant; others find Annona muricata, has been described as a pollinated, with each worker achieving the aroma overpowering and revolting. combination of strawberry and pineapple The persistence of its odour has led to the with sour citrus flavour notes contrasting 1,500 flowers a day. fruit’s banishment from certain hotels and with an underlying creamy flavour Another exotic climber is the hot and public transportation in Southeast Asia. reminiscent of coconut or banana. pungent black pepper, Piper Nigrum, All these plants and much more can be Where would we be without chocolate? which is one of the world’s most widely seen during a special Botanic Garden tour The distribution of Theobroma cacao, and frequently used spices growing to with the Curator, Nick Wray on Sunday 2 originally from the Amazon Basin and a height of 10 metres or even more. It is February 10am–12 noon. Free to Friends. South America, is now concentrated in a also one of the most ancient commodities Visitors £4.50.Meet at the Welcome Lodge. narrow band between 20 degrees north of the spice trade. Together with ginger, and south of the Equator. The Ivory Coast it has the longest history of export Winter opening hours: During January and Ghana produce over 50% of the from South Asia, dating back at least and February, the garden is open Monday world’s cocoa beans. The cacao tree grows 4000 years. The term ‘peppercorn’ rent to Friday 10am until 4pm, or dusk if earlier. between 4 and 8 metres in height and, is derived from the high price pepper University of Bristol Botanic Garden, unlike most fruiting trees, the cocoa pods commanded during the Middle Ages The Holmes, Stoke Park Road, BS9 1JG grow directly from the trunk and can reach when it was accepted in lieu of money or 0117 331 4906 up to 25cm in length. Each pod contains as a dowry. Today it means exactly the roughly 40 seeds and after drying and opposite – virtually free. www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden

17 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Read more online

Decaying area of Detroit being transformed into the ‘world’s largest urban farm’ digest: The city of Detroit is planning to transform 150 acres of what once was a 1,000-house neighbourhood A Golden Hill update into the world’s largest urban farm. Lucy Mitchell www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article- 2512884/A-decaying-gritty-area- Happy New Year everyone! Now let’s all to help us to stay open then become a Detroit-transformed-worlds-largest- get off our sofas and get outside! Friend of Golden Hill! We are looking for urban-farm-trees-crops-livestock. people to give £2 a month (or more if you html On 11 January Bristol’s gardening guru like) by standing order. You’ll be invited Tim Foster will be showing us how to A true cost Q&A with Patrick Holden to a celebratory pizza evening once a year prune new and established soft fruits and where we can tell you how fabulous you digest: Liz Earle talks to Patrick propagate new plants from the cuttings. are, feed you delicious pizza from the clay Holden, Founding Director of the So be your blackberries’ best friend and oven and say thank you!! Please please Sustainable Food Trust, about the give your gooseberries a new year’s treat! get in touch and I’ll send out the form for true cost of the food we eat. ‘True cost You’ll be rewarded with happier, healthier you to fill in. accounting’ seeks to make visible the plants and bigger harvests! 11 January real cost of our food by putting a value 10.30–12.30, just £15! February will see the start of our exciting on the natural ‘capital’ used. new green toddlers stay and play Everything may slow down a little at the http://sustainablefoodtrust.org/ group. These fabulous little sessions Golden Hill Community Garden. December articles/the-true-cost-of-food/ will combine green crafts with nature to January but we have still been busy exploration and gardening and are every Wednesday 11am–3pm. In December 10 Common food terms that have lost suitable for 18 months to 4 years old we made fabulous wreaths and had a all meaning though babies are welcome along as well. lovely carols evening both of which helped digest: Artisan, Local, Natural, Farm- They’ll run Tuesday mornings 10–11.30am raise much needed funds. And we still to-table, Authenic, Gourmet, New, and cost £4 including a cup of tea. Free have lots of lovely veg to harvest to keep Modern, Fusion, Sustainable. taster sessions start on 18 February – us going – jerusalem artichokes, leeks, check the website for more details and to www.huffingtonpost. parsnips and other tasty winter goodies! book your place! com/2013/12/02/common-menu- This month I am happy to announce terms-lost-all-meaning_n_4338906. AND more exciting news to look out for on the launch of our Friends of Golden Hill html the website... We’ll be celebrating our 2nd scheme. If you believe that having a birthday on the 1 February. I think we’ll be Farm to school programmes grow supportive and beautiful space in the having a party... See you in the garden! interest in local food and healthy heart of your community open to everyone eating is important, if you’d like us to carry on Lucy Mitchell Community Project Worker providing community events, training, The Golden Hill Community Garden: digest: History, round-up of the kids’ activities, volunteering and learning Horfield’s Accessible Allotment and Edible current state-of-play, and links for opportunities to everyone especially Forest · 07506 905 394 more information about US Farm to people with physical or mental ill health School programmes. www.thegoldenhillcommunitygarden.com or learning difficulties and if you’d like http://ecowatch.com/2013/11/04/ farm-to-school-programs-grow- interest-local-food-healthy-eating/

Foraging for mushrooms digest: Putting the risk in context and taking the fear out of foraging. http://restoringmayberry.blogspot. co.uk/2013/11/foraging-for- mushrooms.html

Time for food sense in Europe digest: Decenber saw the launch of the European Parliament’s Sustainable Food Steering Group, under the banner ‘EU Food Sense: your right to the right food’. www.eating-better.org/blog/28/ Time-for-Food-Sense-in-Europe.html

18 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Upcoming events at The Community Farm: The Community Farm Wonderful Winter Wassail Saturday 25 January Funds for the Future Come and shake off those post- Christmas blues by joining us in this The Community Farm has recently social remit we have set ourselves as an merry West-country tradition. There’ll secured a significant amount of funding organisation. From November 2013, we will be mulled cider and apple juice, kids to support its future development. be contracted by Bristol Drugs Project activities, fire, food and farm tours. to employ an Apprenticeship Leader Look out for more info on our website We have been awarded a £50,000 Social and provide five organic apprenticeship nearer the time. Enterprise Development Award from placements each year. Santander and a grant of £97,000 over Farm Forest School three years from the Esmée Fairbairn Through these apprenticeships, we February half-term Foundation. We have also been contracted will support clients in retraining and We are holding an exciting 2 day Forest by the Bristol Drugs Project to provide five developing new skills for the horticultural School for children aged 5–12 years organic apprenticeships. This is absolutely industry, (where there is currently a big old this February half-term. The first fantastic news for the Farm! skills gap), with a view to helping them day will be spent in a local woodland back into employment. The Farm’s contract working together on woodland crafts Social Enterprise Development Award initially runs until March 2016. Full details and the second day will be spent here from Santander are still being worked out, but we will soon on the farm, harvesting and cooking Santander’s Social Enterprise be appointing an Apprenticeship Leader. food over a camp fire. Development Award of £50,000 is the Last year’s terrible harvest and our call largest amount awarded in the South for financial support earlier this year now Community Farmer Day West! We will use this funding to buy some seem a dim and distant memory. We Saturday 15 February essential equipment for the field including thank all of our members and volunteers Our first Community Farmer day of the a power harrow and muck spreader. We’ll for supporting us through those tough year will involve preparing an area for also buy a new delivery van – well, new to times and we welcome you to share in the our new Forest Garden. Come and get us anyway! Our delivery vans cover about exciting journey that we will be embarking your hands dirty, meet new folk and 20,000 miles each a year so we need on in the coming months. As a new and bring a dish to share for a delicious to look after them and invest when we developing social enterprise, there are still community feast! can. Further funds will help us stabilise many challenges we face (almost daily!). our staffing team and continue with our So, receiving this new funding is wonderful Make your own apple tree: community engagement work. news as it will help us towards becoming a Grafting workshop Saturday 22 February Esmée Fairbairn Foundation sustainable business into the future. Our expert fruit man, Ben Raskin (who The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation has Support the Community Farm’s is also horticultural advisor for the awarded us a grant of £97,000 over three development plans by making a pledge at: Soil Association) will be sharing the years. This grant will allow us to invest in www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ skills and know-how for people to graft our volunteering and employ a full-time thecommunityfarm 3 apple trees to take away with them ‘Community Farmer’ to work with our Links (it’s a fantastic gift idea). volunteers. We are already advertising for www.santanderseda.co.uk/ the post of Community Farmer. For more info and to book please visit http://esmeefairbairn.org.uk/ our Learning Programme: Bristol Drugs Project Organic www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk/news/2013/ www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk/ Apprenticeships 12/could-you-be-our-community-farmer/ learning_programme This contract very much addresses the www.bdp.org.uk/

Rob Hopkins interviews…

Dr Tim Lang: “Dire times are one of the Pam Warhurst: Food banks are “the first Felicity Lawrence: How austerity’s only moments when structures get laid response, not the final response” “relentless drive to deregulate” impacts bare” Rob Hopkins interviews Pam Warhurst – the food on our plate Rob Hopkins interviews Prof Tim Lang community leader, activist, environment How austerity measures are affecting what about food and food policy in times of worker and founder of Incredible ends up on our plate, starting inevitably austerity. Edible Todmorden – about urban food with the recent horsemeat scandal. www.transitionnetwork.org/blogs/ production, austerity and food banks www.transitionnetwork.org/blogs/ rob-hopkins/2013-11/interview-dr-tim- www.transitionnetwork.org/blogs/ rob-hopkins/2013-11/felicity-lawrence- lang-dire-times-are-one-only-moments- rob-hopkins/2013-11/pam-warhurst- how-austeritys-relentless-drive- when-structures-get- food-banks-are-first-response-not-final- deregulate-impacts-food- response

19 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Read more online Fairtrade Fortnight £2.5bn: The cost of food waste to UK hospitality and food service digest: Infographic from WRAP in Bristol 2014 shows where waste originates and calculateds its true cost. Fairtrade Fortnight runs 24 February–9 March 2014 www.wrap.org.uk/content/food- waste-hospitality-and-food-service- SGS College in Filton will host a regional sector Fairtrade Schools Conference on 26 February, where 100 children and Final phase of high line at rail yards teachers will learn about Fairtrade, meet features lush sheltered outdoor room Margarita, and Skype call workers at a digest: New York City’s in-the-air High Fairtrade school uniform factory in India! Line park has just announced plans for the park’s third and final phase. The South West Fairtrade Business Awards ceremony will take place at www.urbangardensweb. City Hall on Thursday 6 March 12–2pm, com/2013/11/13/new-york-high-line- sponsored by the Co-operative at-rail-yards-the-spur-urban-green- Membership. The Awards recognise space/ businesses in the region that use and An exciting range of events are planned promote Fairtrade; entries close on Celebrity chefs fail sustainable food in Bristol to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight 31 January. The ceremony will be hosted test, but what about the rest of us? 2014. Fairtrade is the most recognised by The Observer’s ethical correspondent, digest: Research by the University ethical mark in the UK, by 78% of Lucy Siegle, and will be followed by a of York’s environment department consumers and the most trusted, at 90% business networking lunch sponsored by found that several chefs had included of these consumers. Fairtrade plays Shared Interest Foundation. endangered fish in their cookbooks. a crucial role in ensuring sustainable food production to a growing world Details and tickets: http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/01/ population. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/south-west- celebrity-chefs-fail-sustainable- fairtrade-business-awards-ceremony- food-test-but-what-about-the-rest- registration-9876167884 of-us-4168796/ Blooms behind bars: Urban Changing the World gardening and sustainability in for Women and Girls american prisons

Saturday 8th March 7.30-10.30pm M Shed Bristol digest: Prisons are building organic

Join us for an evening of debate, film, gardens, composting and recycling music and Fairtrade refreshments to celebrate International Women’s Day 2014 waste, and harvesting produce to serve both the prison kitchens and Join Margarita Espinoza, Fairtrade coffee producer local food banks. from Nicaragua www.urbangardensweb. Regional premiere of short film Margarita Espinoza, Fairtrade coffee ‘In the House, In Bed and on the Street’ com/2013/11/07/growing-prison- producer from Soppexcca Co-operative gardens-and-sustainability/ in Nicaragua, will be in Bristol for the The Fortnight will conclude by a New survey shows support for Eating Fortnight and will be speaking to around celebration of International Women’s Day Better messages 2000 children in local schools, as well as at the M Shed on Saturday 8 March 7.30– at events. Margarita is hosted by Bristol 10.30pm. ‘Changing the World for Women digest: A YouGov survey shows that a Link with Nicaragua and Bristol and South and Girls’ will include a film screening of quarter of the British public say they Gloucestershire Fairtrade groups. ‘In the House, In Bed and in the Street’, have cut back on the amount of meat a panel debate and music from The Cat’s they eat over the past year. Fairtrade Fortnight will be launched at a Pyjamas and Mykala Cheung, as well as www.eating-better.org/blog/23/ Media and Business Fairtrade Breakfast Fairtrade refreshments. Tickets from New-survey-shows-support-for- at Burges Salmon on Monday 24 February M Shed: http://mshed.org/whats-on/ Eating-Better-messages.html 7.45–9am. Business and Community events/international-women%27s-day/ leaders will hear from Margarita Espinoza Concrete indoor-outdoor modular and the Burges Salmon Procurement Jenny Foster green wall tiles from france team, and be asked to pledge support to Bristol and SW Fairtrade Co-ordinator digest: Plantable concrete wall Fairtrade. [email protected] tiles for creating indoor and outdoor 07970 878337 vertical gardens and living walls For details of all events: www.urbangardensweb. www.bristolfairtrade.org.uk com/2013/12/02/benjamin-pawlica- concrete-modular-vertical-garden- green-wall-tiles/

20 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Supplier of the Month Pong Cheese Pong is the UK’s fastest growing online cheese retailer and was created to offer some of the very best cheeses produced by the leading independent and artisan producers in the UK, complemented with some classics from Europe. Each cheese is a little masterpiece of taste and texture and in most cases has a unique and highly skilled process behind its production. From the News from River Cottage bizarre looking but phenomenal tasting ‘Oxford Blue’ to the now legendary ‘Stinking Bishop’, any of Canteen Bristol the cheeses available from Pong deserves centre stage. River Cottage Canteen Bristol was Spice Night – Tuesday 14 January Pong was formed by two friends recently involved in the planning stages It might be cold outside, but River Cottage from Bath, the capital of the ‘Napa of the Bristol Food Policy Council’s ‘Food Canteen is feeling the heat. Using the very Valley’ of cheese: Somerset. One of Gathering’ on 29 November along with best local and seasonal produce, head the founders was previously a chef some of the most influential people in chef Mark Stavrakakis will create a menu and cheese expert for over 10 years Bristol’s food network. of traditional Moroccan dishes with a River including serving the great and River Cottage Canteen’s developmental Cottage twist that is guaranteed to spice good in the Houses of Parliament. chef Andrew Green hosted one of the things up a little. His passion and commitment to afternoon tours inside the Bristol River the celebration of cheese enabled Comedy Night – Tuesday 21 January Cottage Canteen’s private dining room, Pong to launch a wholesale division where he talked to a group of like- Everyone needs a lift in the middle of and to bring chefs and deli-owners minded people about the importance of January and River Cottage Canteen has a thorough understanding of their sustainable sourcing. Andrew focused his the perfect event to cheer guests up. needs. The Canteen will be hosting the next big talk around the canteen’s local suppliers “At Pong we are all deeply names on the stand up scene. Guests can and why River Cottage Canteens choose passionate about our range enjoy an evening of entertainment from local, organic, seasonal and wild produce. of cheeses, olives, pastry and the comedians along with a delicious He focused on how important it was to charcuterie because they have menu showcasing the best of the local, regularly visit your suppliers, working been sourced from the very finest seasonal, organic and wild produce. with them to get the best produce, whilst producers and importers we could making sure they can sustainably grow Game Night – Tuesday 28 January find. From our own range of Pong their business as well. branded cheeses, biscuits and River Cottage HQ’s Steve Lamb will be condiments to our extensive range returning to the Canteen, following the of UK and European cheeses and hugely successful Whole Hog event. Jump into January with accompaniments, we believe we Guests can enjoy a beautifully prepared River Cottage Canteen have a selection that would enhance three course set menu, based around any food offering. River Cottage Canteen Bristol is kick local and seasonal game, whilst special starting 2014 with a fantastic line up of guest speaker Steve demonstrates how to We’ve been supplying River Cottage Tuesday night events. Canteen general prepare and cook wild game. Bristol since it first opened, as manager Sarah Kieck and head chef Mark well as many other local Bristol Stavrakakis are inviting guests to shake Live Music Night – Wednesday 29 businesses: restaurants, hotels, off the January blues with a combination January retailers and farm shops. We always of great seasonal food and entertainment Back by popular demand, the FB Pocket strive to offer the best in after sales from guest speakers and comedians in Orchestra will be returning to the Canteen, support, technical information and the warm and relaxed atmosphere of the bringing with them their hot jazz, blues advice, whether improving a cheese restaurant. and ragtime sounds, taking guests back to board, increasing gross profit or the 1920s and 30s. exploring ways in which the Pong Veg Out – Tuesday 7 January brand could attract new customers.” The vegetarian and vegan evening Due to their popularity, both Veg Out and celebrating the very best the season Spice Night will be taking place on the first www.pongcheese.co.uk has to offer was so successful when first and second Tuesday of every month. launched, that Veg Out is back for January. For more information, ticket prices and The à la carte menu includes helpful hints to book any of the above events call and tips on growing seasonal veg for those the canteen on 0117 973 2458 or visit wishing to find out more about winter rivercottage.net/canteens/bristol vegetables and how they can grow them at home.

21 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Events & conferences

Coexist Community Kitchen Coexist Community Kitchen are launching a programme of cookery courses and workshops in 2014! Run by our wonderful team of tutors who have just been through training with The Community Chef. Courses usually run between 6–9pm and prices range between £25–40. Here’s a sneak preview:

Eli’s Spanish Kitchen All welcome to Wassail Bristol Vegans’ (4 week course) Thursdays starts 6 March 2–4pm Saturday 18 January 2014 February meet-up Immerse yourself in the Spanish Horfield Organic Community Orchard 5pm Saturday 8 February language through the Spanish culture n Toast the trees for a fruitful harvest Café Kino, 108 Stokes Croft, BS1 3RU of food. Is there a better way of n Bring ribbons, clouties & shining things Everyone is welcome to come along to the learning than doing something you to dress the trees February meet-up at Café Kino. If you’re are interested in? We really believe in this approach and want to create n Homemade cakes and mulled new to Bristol, Kino is one of the best an environment where you can Orchard juice places for vegans to eat. Lots of delicious salads, the famous Kino burger and practise your Spanish and learn in a n Make merry with Pigsty Morris plenty of vegan desserts to choose from: natural way. Suitable for improvers, n Find out how to join a pioneering chocolate sponges, flapjacks, flans and intermediates level and brave Bristol orchard more. It’s very well priced too. Please note beginners. that last orders are by 8.30pm. Confirm To find the Orchard (nearest postcode Nose to tail your place by email at info@excellart. BS7 8JP) walk down the lane beside 4 February 22 Kings Drive (between Bishop Road and co.uk or on Facebook at: Learn how to use and make the most Kellaway Avenue), turn left and it’s the www.facebook.com/ of every part of your ingredient. How to first gate on the right. OR take the lane events/327204440754105/?ref_ use bones and offcuts to make soups beside 134 Longmead Avenue until you dashboard_filter=calendar and stocks, and ‘reinvent’ leftover come to the last gate on the left. meals. Contact: [email protected] phone: 0117 373 1587 Growing Schools conference Two’s Company Friday 11 July 2014 25 February www.community-orchard.org.uk Pheonix High School, West London Learn how to pair, prepare and cook British ingredients according to the The Growing Schools conference in 2014 time of year. Understand and discover Golden Hill Workshop will be held in conjunction with the ‘what to buy when’ and ‘what it goes School Farms Network and take place at Pruning workshop best with’. the inspirational venue of Pheonix High 10.30am–12.30pm 11 January School in West London on Friday 11 July £15 2014. With the publication of the School Bristol’s gardening guru Tim Foster will Food Plan and the increasing numbers of be showing us how to prune new and schools becoming involved in growing in established soft fruits and propagate new their own schools this is a conference not plants from the cuttings. to be missed! The Golden Hill Community Garden, For further information please contact Horfield and District Allotment Association Gary Richardson on 0771 106 9092 site in Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8NE · [email protected] 07506 905 394 Please contact Cori for more www.growingschools.org.uk/ information at [email protected] www.thegoldenhillcommunitygarden.com

22 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Courses & training

At the University of Bristol Courses with Bristol Adult Cooking and nutrition University of Bristol, Botanic Garden, Learning courses with HHEAG Hollybush Lane, Stoke Bishop, BS9 1JB Stoke Lodge Learning Centre, No. 10 The People’s Kitchen, www.bristol.ac.uk/botanic-garden/ Shirehampton Road, Stoke Bishop, The Gatehouse Centre, Hartcliffe events/2014/110.html Bristol BS9 IBN Cooking classes for parents of young 0117 903 8844 children, learning about cooking healthy Growing organic vegetables [email protected] and low-cost family food. 7–9.30pm Tuesday evenings, 28 January–25 March · £80 For all course information: £1.50 per week (take home what you https://adultlearning.bristol.gov.uk/ make), open to anyone who lives or works Tim Foster is a graduate in horticultural courses/ in BS13 or BS14 who hasn’t taken a class science who has been encouraging with HHEAG before. organic gardening for over 30 years. His Vegetarian Cookery book ‘Good Earth Gardening’ deals with 11am–1pm or 6.30–8.30pm Mondays For more information, or to book on to all garden types showing that everyone 8 sessions from 20 January · £96/48 a course, please contact Caroline or can successfully apply organic practices Sue on 0117 946 5285 or email us at Italian Cookery wherever they are. [email protected] 6.30–8.30pm Thursdays This 6 week evening theory course covers 8 sessions from 16 January · £96/48 Taking on the Takeaway! site and soil, planning what to grow, crop or 6 sessions from 1 May · £72/36 4 sessions 1–3pm Thursdays rotation, composting, seed sowing, and or 1-day course 10am–3pm 24 January, Make homemade pizza, chow mein, a companion planting to help you produce 7 February, 7 March, 9 May · £30/15 curry and fish & chips!! food organically from propagation to Easy Peasy harvest. CookWell:EatWell 11am–1pm or 6.30–8.30pm Mondays 10 weeks 1–3pm Wednesdays or 6 sessions from 12 May · £72/36 10am–12 noon Thursdays Delicious Fish Dishes Nutrition & cooking courses for people At City of Bristol College 10am–4pm 4 March, 1 or 29 April · £36/18 with a diet-related condition or those recently bereaved. Learn how to cook Ashley Down Centre, Ashley Down Road, Gluten Free Cookery appealing food that is full of flavour, whilst Bristol BS7 9BU 10am–4pm Tuesday 11 February · £36/18 keeping to a diet recommended for your www.cityofbristol.ac.uk/courses/ Italian Soups and Vegetarian Dishes condition. details/organic-gardening- 2 sessions 12.30pm–3pm Tuesdays 0001?&srcUrl=http%3A 14 & 21 January · £42/21 I hate LOVE Cooking! 10 weeks 1–3pm Wednesdays or Organic Gardening Intermediate Level 2 Malaysian Cookery 10am–12 noon Thursdays 10 weeks starting 15 January 10am–4pm Thursday 16 January · £36/18 6.30–8.30pm Wednesdays & Saturday We will be learning about the basics of mornings Mexican Cookery home-cooking, including: £207 10am–4pm Thursday 6 March · £36/18 n making easy soups and stews Do you want to grow fruit and vegetables Wholefood Cookery n using up leftovers… using organic techniques? Do you want 10am–4pm Tuesday 11 January · £36/18 n making pastry to manage your garden sustainably? Do n making sauces ‘from scratch’ Pruning: All you need to know you want to learn practical skills and n how to cook perfect rice every time 10am–4pm Saturday 15 March · £36/18 knowledge to use at home or on your n save money by making Yorkshire allotment? puddings, etc. from store cupboard If you would like to learn about the basic ingredients theory and practices of organic growing Courses with the Low-impact this could be the course for you. This living initiative (LILI) course will help you develop the practical At Lawrence Weston For all course information: skills and knowledge to design, plan, and http://lowimpact.org/venues_south_ Community Farm start growing using organic principles west.html and practices. This is a part time course Saltmarsh Drive, Bristol BS11 0NJ over 14 weeks (Weds evening and Sat There is a huge variety of LILI courses http://lwfarm.org.uk/activities.html mornings) based at the college Ashley throughout January and February, but Down centre and nearby allotment. none within the former Avon area. Farm Tots For workshops in everything from 10.30am–12 noon Wednesdays horse logging to cheesemaking, from £1.75 or £1 if you are a member coppicing to bread baking in Somerset, (includes juice and biscuits) Gloucestershire, Devon & Wiltshire, please Come and help look after the animals and see the website. gardens. For parents/carers and under 5s.

23 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Courses At Windmill Hill City Farm Philip Street Bedminster Bristol BS3 4EA www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Urban Gardening 3 Growing Organic Food 1: 1.30–3.30pm 25 January Organic methods and fruit growing Urban Gardening 1 £10 (£5 concessions) 9.30am–12.30pm from 21 January 1.30–3.30pm 11 January Focuses on herb growing and how herbs 10 sessions (no class 21 February) £10 (£5 concessions) can affect urban spaces and why they are £110 (£25 concessions) + £5 materials Covers urban gardening, past, present and vital as crops. Covers container-grown Theory and practicals on growing your future with a focus on Bristol. It includes crops and how they can work even if there own food organically, covering basic allotments, private gardens, community is no actual garden space available. techniques like composting, caring for the projects and guerilla gardening. soil and weed control and how to grow www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/whats- tree and soft fruit from propagation to www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/whats- on/courses/urban-gardening-3/ pruning. on/courses/urban-gardening-1/ Urban Gardening 4 www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/whats- Urban Gardening 2 1.30–3.30pm 1 February on/courses/growing-organic-food-1/ 1.30–3.30pm 18 January £10 (£5 concessions) £10 (£5 concessions) A more practical session, with some time Farmer Tim Half Term Session How to grow food in the urban landscape, spent on the Active Citizens allotment, 9am–12 noon 19 February from crops in pots to back gardens and looking at planning for the year ahead, for 7–12 year olds allotments. Exciting projects such as as well as practical advice and help on £10 The Edible Bus Stop, Incredible Edibles polytunnel and greenhouse growing. Explore all aspects of urban farming with and Transition towns and how they work. Covers pest and diseases as well as the Farm’s manager, Tim Child. This will Touching on permaculture as a principle the importance of compost and soil include feeding, grooming, mucking out and how it is possible in the urban improvement. and collecting eggs. Limited places so environment too. book soon. www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/whats- www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/whats- on/courses/urban-gardening-4/ www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/whats- on/courses/urban-gardening-2/ on/events/

Voscur Training

Retention and Support of Kick Start your organisation! Fund it! Creative income Volunteers 6 evening sessions Tuesdays generation 9.30am–3.30pm Thursday 16 January 21 January–25 March 2014 9.30am–4pm Thursday 13 February @Symes Community Building, Peterson FREE! – worth £500 The Watershed, Bristol Avenue, Hartcliffe, BS13 0BE Have you recently started a community Early bird rate: £60 per person or £110 for Full Member: £60, Associate Member: group but are not sure of your next steps? two if booked by Friday 17th January 2014 £80, Non Member: £150 If so ‘Kick Start Your Organisation’ is (After this date £75 per person) If volunteers have a good volunteering the perfect course for you, covering the Join Voscur for workshops, networking experience and get the support they need, essentials you need for a successful and and presentations on local and national they’re more likely to be satisfied in their long-lasting group. funding opportunities, the Big Lottery role and be keen to stay and develop n The need and purpose of your group Fund, European and match funding and further. This course supports volunteer (21 January) more... managers to get the best out of their n Different structures for organisations www.supporthub.org.uk/fund-it volunteers by putting key principles into and how they should be managed practice. This session will cover: (4 February) n The importance of induction n Funding, finance and how to get money n Other ways of supporting volunteers (25 February) n Supervision n Developing policies and procedures n Why people stop volunteering (4 March) n Recognition n Action planning n Marketing and publicity (18 March) n Action planning and where else you can www.supporthub.org.uk/retention-and- get support (25 March) support-volunteers-0 www.supporthub.org.uk/kick-start- your-organisation-1

24 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Publications

Securing future food supplies Sustainable diets: IGD Helping shoppers Future food supplies cannot be taken for IGD granted in a volatile world. This guide This report reveals the findings from IGD helps buyers and planners to prepare for ShopperVista research on the motivations what might lie ahead. and drivers for shoppers adopting a more For many decades, world food supply sustainable diet. Key findings from the outpaced demand. Food became cheaper report are: in real terms and food companies could n Shoppers are feeling more empowered concentrate on the short term, confident about sustainable diets, but still require Good Food for London 2013 that supply would always be available. industry to take the lead in this area and London Borough maps of A combination of factors have undermined to inspire them progress on healthy and this position including dietary shifts in the n Nearly half of shoppers say healthy sustainable food developing world, climate change, rising options are important compared to one oil prices, water shortages, soil erosion in five that consider ethical factors Sustain and problems in the banking system. Food n More shoppers than in 2009 feel able to security is high on the agenda again and The Good Food for London 2013 positively influence their health, British in many countries, food inflation has been report provides a league table of local farmers, the local economy and the outpacing incomes. authorities’ support for key good food way animals are treated through their initiatives, such as community food Each short online chapter focuses on grocery shopping decisions growing, high quality school food, helping one of the 19 identified threats to food n Sustainability plays an important role local food outlets serve healthier food, security. when shoppers are choosing between and buying ethical food in schools and products www.igd.com/our-expertise/ local authority canteens – including Nutrition-food-and-farming/Food- n Shoppers expect industry to take Fairtrade products, cage-free eggs and security-technology/15588/Securing- responsibility on nutrition and the sustainable fish. future-food-supplies/a29d7fdc4d- environment, to inspire them and The report illustrates London-wide 3139cc67ab-297127725 provide information to help them make progress on all of the six good food informed choices initiatives tracked, presenting these on www.igd.com/our-expertise/Nutrition- colour-coded maps. In many London The true cost of cheap food: food-and-farming/Sustainable- boroughs, school-children are now A study of food production in diets/17084/Sustainable-diets-Helping- receiving fresher, tastier and more 7 countries shoppers/ sustainable food , and tens of thousands of local residents have better access to Robert Craig describes his research green space for growing food. Borough journey to explore both the production Food: A very short introduction support for farmers and local businesses systems and the consumer values of has also improved, and there is an rapidly developing countries. He set out John Krebs · £7.99 impressive number of London boroughs to travel far and wide, to gain a global Prof Lord John Krebs provides a brief now working with local food outlets to perspective of the food production history of human food, from our remote help them make their food healthier. systems and core food values of less ancestors 3 million years ago to the developed countries, comparing them present day. By looking at the four great www.sustainweb.org/ with the UK situation, asking: transitions in human food – cooking, publications/?id=283&dm_ agriculture, processing, and preservation i=8UC,1Z7DM,13R0UQ,740KR,1 n Is it possible from the world’s resources to produce sufficient food to feed a – he considers a variety of questions, further two billion people? including why people like some kinds of foods and not others; how your n What are the main constraints to senses contribute to flavour; the role of producing more food and how do we genetics in our likes and dislikes; and the overcome them? differences in learning and culture around n How much of our current food the world. production system is already sustainable? Are truly sustainable http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/ farming practices scalable? product/9780199661084.do#.Ul0K- hCHjXo www.nuffieldinternational.org/ rep_pdf/1382473233Robert-Craig- report-2012.pdf

25 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Letters

Dear Editor,

I am writing as one of the directors of TRASHorfield who are pursuing a judicial review of the decision to grant planning permission to Sainsbury’s at the Memorial stadium. The purpose of the judicial review is not to question the decision, but the process that lead to that decision. The planning application included a retail assessment by the applicant and an independent review commissioned by the council. This forecast Sainsbury’s Horfield to remove £7.7M of trade from the Gloucester Road every year. The location of the supermarket is such that it will draw trade from several town centres in North Bristol, and the supermarket would be bigger than Tesco Eastville. I would like to make you aware of the grounds for the judicial review. These could have ramifications for other supermarket developments: 1. That the Council considered a retail mitigation proposal as a material consideration to offset the accepted significant retail impact caused by the development. The Council had been advised that this package could not be considered as material and with nothing else to offset the significant retail impact, should then have rejected the application. 2. The misrepresentation of the advice the Council received from their retail consultant on the retail impact of this development. The recently launched “Good Food Plan for Bristol” has as its first aim to, “halt and reverse the decline of independent food shops on our high streets.” Working to reduce the prevalence of supermarkets is an important step on the way to doing this. So far, we have raised £16,000 from our local community. £10,000 of this goes towards a protective costs order, and is what will go towards the council’s costs if we lose. This sum was decided by a judge and the sum is limited because we have brought the claim under the Aarhus convention which limits costs in cases that involve environmental issues. We need to raise approximately another £10,000 to go towards lawyers’ fees. I am writing to you to ask your readers to contribute to the costs of this case. You can donate through the Paypal account: http://trashorfield.wordpress.com/trash-jr-fund-faq/ Use our bank details to make a BACS transfer. Account name: TRASH, Sort Code: 089299 Account No: 65655568

Yours sincerely, Daniella Radice

Some content for this newsletter is taken Food Climate Research network Soil Association e-news from the following e-newsletters: www.fcrn.org.uk (go to email sign-up) www.soilassociation.org/ TodaysNewsLogin/tabid/639/Default.aspx Bristol Green Capital Forest of Avon http://bristolgreencapital.org/ http://forestofavontrust.org/ Sustainable Food Cities www.sustainablefoodcities.org/ Defra’s SD scene newsletter Garden Organic e-news http://sd.defra.gov.uk/subscribe/ www.gardenorganic.org.uk/e-news/ Urban Agriculture newsletter sign_up.php www.sustainweb.org/cityharvest/ Eating Better newsletter/ www.eating-better.org/get-involved.html Growing Schools newsletter www.growingschools.org.uk Voscur www.voscur.org/news

26 bristol’s local food update · january–february 2014 Regular things Blaise Walled Kitchen Garden Golden Hill Community Garden Trinity Community Gardens 2nd Saturday & 4th Sunday of the month 10am–4pm Wednesdays Gardening drop-in sessions 1–4pm We always have a range of jobs to suit Wednesdays 11am–5pm Facing the front door of Blaise House, go ability and preferences. Free feel to come Last Saturday of the month 11am–5pm left, through the rose garden until you down for a chat and a look around with no Volunteer drop-in sessions. Learn to grow come to the entrance doors to the walled commitment to stay. You can drop in for fruit, veg & herbs at the Trinity Gardens. garden OR, go behind the house and an hour or stay all day whatever fits round Get fit, work outside, meet people, and take the door next to the orangery and go your life or energy levels. gain knowledge and practical experience. left through a little door into the garden. www.thegoldenhillcommunitygarden.com Drinks provided, but please bring lunch! Please wear sturdy footwear, and make www.3ca.org.uk/activities/garden the volunteer leader aware of your arrival. Metford Rd Community Orchard Contact: Christine Carroll · 0792 870 1369 Usually 3rd Sunday of the month Windmill Hill City Farm [email protected] Meet at Metford Road Gates (green metal Hearty Gardeners Volunteers https://sites.google.com/site/ gate in between numbers 37 and 39) at Saturday 10am–1pm blaisesecretgarden/ about 11.30am, bring gardening gloves. Have fun working on various parts of the There should be a notice on the gate farm to turn them into wonderful green Easton Community Allotment telling you a mobile number to ring if we’re places and spaces. Open to adults and Thursdays 12–4pm (5pm summer) already there, and we’ll come and let you children aged 9 and above who are able A beautiful, green enclave nestled on the in. If there’s no notice, and nobody there – to volunteer independently and have an edge of Easton. A social space for people you’re the first, be patient! If you’ve never interest in gardening for the love of it! who want to grow vegetables, drink tea been before then you can ring Joe http://windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk/ and share the harvest. No experience on 07840 059079 to tell us you’re coming. active-citizens.html necessary – just drop in. Email for map: www.sustainableredland.org.uk/what- [email protected] can-i-do/metford-road-community-orchard Woodcroft Community Orchard eastoncommallot.wordpress.com Royate Hill Community Orchard Workdays 1st Saturday of the month Eastside Roots On the edge of Nightingale Valley on Main orchard day is the 3rd Sunday of former allotment ground at Woodcroft Stapleton Road Train Station every month. Additional/alternative day Road. Now planted with over 50 trees and Regular workday: Fridays 10am–4pm is 1st Sunday from March to October. numerous soft fruits. Contact Frank White: Forest school for pre-school children & Email Sue ([email protected]) [email protected] parents: Thursday afternoons from 1.15pm if you’d like to join or visit us. http://woodcroftcommunityorchard. Improve your local community, meet new As well as the fruit, we also plant veg, wordpress.com/ friends, learn new skills and keep fit. and whoever shows up for workdays when Email: [email protected] there is a harvest, gets to take food home. Find a growing group near to you at: Drinks available, bring snacks to share. www.bristolfoodnetwork.org/local-food- Feed Bristol Tools and gardening gloves provided. map/ Compost toilet. Everybody welcome. Mons, Tues, Weds & Sats www.kebelecoop.org/?page_id=28 Communal growing days: Volunteers are welcome on Mondays, Tuesdays and Southmead Fruit Garden Bristol’s local food update Wednesdays 9.30am–4pm. 1st Saturday of the month 10am–3pm If you didn’t receive this PDF by email, you Saturdays 11am–4pm – drop in with can send a subscription request for future workshops and events. All welcome. You can find us behind the Whitehall on issues to be sent direct to you, to: Phone to see if we’re here on Fridays: Glencoyne Square, BS10 6DE. We’re a [email protected] 0117 917 270 friendly bunch! Contact us at: Subscribers will be e-mailed a maximum [email protected] of three times between issues of the www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/people/ newsletter with an e-update of any event feedbristol/feedbristol.html www.facebook.com/Southmeadfruitgarden information that missed the deadline. This issue of Bristol’s local food update was Regular markets Tobacco Factory Market compiled by Jane Stevenson and Kristin Corner of Raleigh Road/North Street, Sponsler. Design by Jane Stevenson: Ashton Court Producers Market Southville, Sundays 10am–2.30pm www.janestevensondesign.co.uk Stables Courtyard, 3rd Sunday of the Westbury-on-Trym Market The views expressed in this newsletter are month 10.30am–3.30pmr Primary Care Centre Car Park, Westbury not necessarily endorsed by the City Council. Bristol Farmers’ Market Hill, 4th Saturday of the month, Corn Street and Wine Street, 9am–1pm(except December) Bristol Food Network Wednesdays 9.30am–2.30pm Whiteladies Road Market Get involved with the Bristol Food Network Friday Food Market, Wine Street Corner of Whiteladies Road and Apsley – online, via Facebook or Twitter: 10am–4pm Road, 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month, Harbourside Market 8.30am–2pm www.bristolfoodnetwork.org Weekends outside the Watershed Zion Food Market www.facebook.com/ 11am–4pm. Zion, Bishopsworth Rd, Bedminster Down bristolfoodnetwork?fref=ts Long Ashton Village Market, Village Hall, Every 4th Saturday, 10am–1pm @Bristolfoodnet 1st Saturday of the month 9.30am–1pm