£10k grow-your-own project in Barton to promote healthy lifestyles

A £10,000 community project is being launched in Barton to promote a healthier lifestyle for local residents.

Grasp The Nettle, a well-being charity based in Barton, is creating a community garden and allotment to help residents eat and live healthily.

The project to create a community garden based at the Viking Resource Centre is aimed at people living on the Caistor Road estate, which has been recognised as a deprived area in the town.

Funds for the project were obtained through the Health Lottery, after Grasp The Nettle volunteers bid for a grant to support the project.

£10.00 VOUCHER - Award Winning Restaurant

Megna Restaurant & Takeaway

View details

Print voucher

Book a table for 4 and get £10 off with this voucher. When ringing quote: “This is Scunthorpe” promotion. Your email address.......................... (if you want to receive vouchers in the future)

Terms: Cannot be used with any other offers or vouchers. Print voucher or show us the voucher on your phone.

Contact: 01724 281289

Valid until: Saturday, July 20 2013

Cath Farrell, a member of Grasp The Nettle, said: "We did a lot of research before the bid and even spoke to local doctors about the most pressing health issues in our area.

"Diet and exercise, alongside healthy eating, are very high on their agenda. People will be able to grow their own vegetables and have the chance to get some exercise in the open air.

"The taste of home-grown vegetables is like nothing else and lots of children in the area will never have tried them.

"We want people to be healthy by helping create the gardens, helping to maintain them and eating the healthy foods they produce."

The project will be launched on Wednesday, October 31 at the Viking Resource Centre, where residents will have the chance to learn more about the community allotment and garden.

Grasp The Nettle is also working with the Barton Allotments Society as part of the project, to get advice and guidance on the best way to manage the gardens.

Bill Jones, a member of the Allotments Society, said: "We are hoping to bring expertise about what to plant, where to plant and when it is best to plant.

"We can grow all sorts of things that tie in with healthy eating and hopefully develop more interest in people wanting to keep allotments. The young people we speak to could be the allotment holders of the future."

The project will also involve the purchase of kitchen and gardening equipment that will be kept at the resource centre and loaned out to residents. As part of the Health Lottery funding, Grasp The Nettle will also provide training for horticulture, mentoring and life coaching for a selection of residents.

Geraldine Gough, another member of Grasp The Nettle, said: "This project is designed to be a springboard to a healthier lifestyle.

"Our ultimate goal is to make a better, healthier and happier community, while learning new skills and making new friends."

To get involved, contact Maureen Hardman on 01652 660018 or Cath Farrell on 01652 633924.