A Community Farm for Ruscombe/Randwick?

Today was Hawkwood Farm Day for Stroud Community Agriculture - harvesting carrots, clearing weeds, mucking out, making compost and cutting wood then a picnic lunch - and visitors were welcomed to get a taste of how it all works - I joined them as a local farmer and some local residents were interested in pursuing the idea.

I've been a big fan of this type of project as it is one of the most sustainable ways that not only reconnects people with the land, natural cycles and their communities but is also a great way to tackle climate change, lessen the effects of Peak Oil and reignite interest in local, healthier food - I could go on but basicallyas their website says: "consumers commit themselves to supporting the farm and providing a fair income for the farmers. The farmers can then develop the health and fertility of the farm, its wildlife and environment. All the produce from the farm is shared between the supporting consumers or sold locally if there is a surplus."

It works out at about £35 per month which provides a weekly veg box for two adults but they also have a bursary and possibility of working for your veg box. Anyhow as folk sat about with their shared lunches in the barn - the cows poking their noses through to check out the conversations - we were able to ask questions - there were also visitors from Maidenhead and Staffordshire who were interested in setting up new CSA projects - plus a guy from Brazil.

My own view is that Glos County Council should be looking to use their large areas of farming land for such community uses - I've raised the issue several times in the past (see here) - however while there is lots of support for the idea it comes down to maximising value - and at the moment most politicians don't seem to get it - local food is increasingly vital and a crucial part of making our communities more resilient.

Anyway it was a fascinating day that renewed my enthusiasm for something to happen more locally - who is game for a local CSA Orchard project or veg scheme? There are possibilities of land available locally and already I have a handful of interested folk? Who else - if this is to happen we need a few more to help initiate a scheme.

Read more about Community Supported Agriculture on the Soil Association website here - it includes excellent info on how to make a CSA happen.