June 17, 2015
Calling all growers
If you have anything to do with a community growing project in central Scotland (19 local authority areas) – whether it’s a rough patch of ground, a communal garden plot, a community orchard, an allotment site or a local woodland – Central Scotland Green Network want to hear from you. Or rather, they invite you to plot whatever you’re doing and wherever it is on a map. This is a unique piece of research which will help CSGN in their work to increase the amount of land available for community growing.
17/6/15
Central Scotland locals and community groups are being encouraged to put their allotments, orchards and community gardens on the map, by taking part in an online survey.
Europe’s largest greenspace initiative, the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN), is conducting the research to map community growing spaces across the central belt.
Participants will be able to trace the boundary and entrances of their growing spaces, as well as answering a few questions about the places they grow in, such as the numbers of trees or plots.
The data will be used to identify the size and distribution of these vital resources and campaign for improvements for the benefit of local communities.
Keith Geddes, Chair of the CSGN, said: “Encouraging community growing is central to the CSGN vision of creating an environment which supports healthy lifestyles and good mental and physical well-being.
“This groundbreaking research will support our work in increasing the area of land used by communities for growing plants, fruit and vegetables and I would encourage locals in Central Scotland to take part in the survey.”
The CSGN is Europe’s largest greenspace initiative which seeks to transform Central Scotland into a place where the environment adds value to the economy and where people’s lives are enriched by its quality.
As one of the Scottish Government’s national developments for Scotland in the third National Planning Framework, the CSGN is changing the face of Central Scotland, by restoring, transforming and greening the landscape of an area stretching from Ayrshire and Inverclyde in the west, to Fife and the Lothians in the east.
The CSGN encompasses 19 local authorities across 10,000 sq km and has the potential to benefit 3.5million people, equating to 70 per cent of Scotland’s population.
The survey runs until 30th June 2015. It takes a few minutes to complete and the information will be used to increase the number and quality of community growing spaces across the region. The findings will be collated into a report which will be made available on the CSGN website.
To take part in the survey click here