A NEW project has been launched to create up to three new community growing spaces in some of the least green parts of Coventry.
Coventry City Council (CCC) has received funding from energy company E.ON to create new community growing spaces in the city as part of its Coventry Grows initiative.
A new community group called Growing Together has been set up by the project with an initial five-year lease to manage Stoke Heath Community Garden on two unused plots of land.
In partnership with E.ON, Grapevine, Garden Organic and Citizen, the project will provide training, equipment and seeds to create the new gardens so the community can come together and grow their own fruit and vegetables.
The council said community growing spaces help people maintain good physical and mental health, strengthen communities, and create spaces for wildlife.
Coun Jim O’Boyle, CCc’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said: “This is a great project getting unused green areas brought back into use for the local community.
“A lot of hard work is ahead but, once established, these spaces and the produce grown on them will be a lovely asset for the local community and a great space for all to come together.”
Natalie Keogh, E.ON’s Director of Cities and Heat Solutions, said: “The Coventry Grows initiative will deliver sustainable solutions for Coventry and its people, plus added benefits in terms of community engagement and wellbeing.
“We’re excited to see this venture take shape as the next project in our ongoing support for the city.”
Visit www.coventry.gov.uk/climate-change/coventry-grows for more information about Coventry Grows.
