A new report from the Coronation Gardens for Food and Nature project is calling upon local councils to raise their ambition for community food growing after finding significant benefits for community well-being, nature restoration and local economies.
The project, a unique partnership between The Wildlife Trusts, the WI, Incredible Edible, and Garden Organic, funded by The National Lottery Fund, has supported local community food initiatives to grow sustainable and nature-friendly food across the UK, including in London, Nottingham and Hull.
The findings add to the wealth of research into the benefits of access to green space, and the positive effects that community work and volunteering can have on health and well-being. The Coronation Gardens for Food and Nature project is now urging local government to adopt the principle a 'Right to Grow' across the UK due to the provable benefits for people and wildlife.
Earlier this year, Hull City Council became the first council to adopt a 'Right to Grow' policy to enable local citizens to grow their own food in disused areas. The council's default response to a community's request to grow food on unused land should now be "yes", unless there are demonstrable reasons why it is not suitable. Furthermore, through the 'Right to Grow' principle, councils should offer support around management, use and insurance.
Read more at The Wildlife Trusts