Growing local food event to be held on Wednesday

Community agriculture group Grow Llangollen has organised a special event for this Wednesday (September 28). 

The group was set with the aim of increasing the quantity and affordability of cultivated crops that are grown in and around Llangollen, and to increase the amount of local produce sold in the area.

It has secured funding from the UK Community Renewal Fund for a feasibility study which aims to research these issues and to work out what might be possible.  

The group is now working with members of ADAS Horticulture who have been appointed to produce the study, which we plan to use to apply for funding to implement the recommendations.  

Together, they are planning to run two public events to discuss the opportunities and barriers, as well as carrying out questionnaires and interviews. 

The first event is this Wednesday (October 28) at St Collen's Community Centre, between 2pm and 7pm. 

Grow Llangollen's Stephanie Mitchell said: "There will be a series of talks, discussions, and chances to talk to the experts from ADAS Horticulture, so if you’re interested in getting involved in food growing at any scale, from windowsill to farm, please come along. 

"You’re welcome to stay all day, or drop in when you can.  Local food refreshments will be provided through the day.

"The second event is a learning journey to Mostyn Kitchen Garden on Friday October 7. If you’re interested in joining us, please message us on Facebook.

"The more people that join in, the more useful the study will be in building a better project and attracting funding, so please come and get involved, or complete one of the questionnaires which will be found on our Facebook page, along with the programme for the Growing Local Food Forum."

She added: "There are very few fruits or vegetables grown commercially in the Llangollen area, and although some people grow at home or on allotments there is potential for far more to be produced.

"Growing more food locally has many benefits, including supporting the local economy and reducing food miles, increasing people’s skills and the possibility of additional income, and reconnecting people with food growing. 

"However, we know that there is a long waiting list for allotments in Llangollen, and that there are many other reasons why people might struggle to grow, and our aim is find out what the problems are and to try to find solutions to them."