Four gardens in Bournemouth and Poole are joining the national Big Dig Day on 27 April 2019 to welcome volunteers, new and old, to explore how to grow food in urban areas and celebrate the start of spring and the new growing season.
From garden tours to planting seedlings, gardens will invite in visitors to meet neighbours, learn new skills and get the opportunity to grow their own food.
Edible gardens in Bournemouth and Poole can be found all over the towns, many hidden away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, with others in plain sight. Tatnam Organic Patch is nestled off Sherrin Avenue and is the oldest community garden in the area, using permaculture techniques to grow all their veg. Townsend is the newest, just starting on their second growing year and with so many community members involved. They’ll be encouraging young growers to plant their own seeds and catch the growing bug. Slades Farm will be welcoming visitors into their nature areas as well as their growing space whilst at Adastral Square the smallest of the community growing spaces, everyone will be welcome to help prepare for the summer.
“We want to get as many people out growing fresh food in their community as we can and hope the Big Dig will inspire people to get involved in their local garden or even set a new one up themselves. We’re here to provide as much support as people need to get growing and hope to see more veg popping up across our city region” says Sarah Watson, Manager at the Sustainable Food City Partnership for Bournemouth and Poole.
“The Big Dig Day is the perfect time to get out and explore your local food growing gardens, as they are just starting to spring into life. They offer something for everyone, whether you prefer to drop in now and again, or want to get stuck into growing your own food. What’s more these networks of gardens provide a place to meet your neighbours and re-connect with nature” commented Sarah Williams, Programme Director at Sustain.
“We should all be eating fruit and vegetables on a daily basis, but many people fail to do so and it’s even harder for people on lower incomes. Growing your own vegetables is a great way to eat more and get the whole family to try new vegetables and I am delighted that so many gardens are joining The Big Dig Day this year” added Sofia Parente, Veg Cities Campaign Coordinator.
Find your closest participating garden on our interactive map at www.bigdig.org.uk
