Get Growing Scotland

Days lengthen, birds sing and if stuck indoors we spend much more time looking out of the window. Have you ever looked our your window and wondered about that unused patch of ground on your doorstep? Could it be put to good use for community benefit to connect with and care for nature, get to know others locally, and grow some food?Increasing numbers of people in communities across Scotland are doing just that!  Why not join them?   

A recent report by the National Preparedness Commission  Just in case: 7 steps to narrow the UK Civil Food Resilience Gap, outlined one of its ‘Big 5 ideas to engage with the public, and being “honest about potential problems; practical about what can be done”. Among its recommendations for enhancing civil food resilience are expanding local land access, skills development for community food growing and encouraging initiatives such as allotments, community gardens, farms, orchards, communal fruit harvesting, forest gardening, and garden sharing. 

Scotland is reliant on a global and centralised food system for much of the fresh vegetables and fruit we eat. 78 per cent of UK fruit and vegetables are imported, from countries themselves facing food system challenges (Defra 2023). Communities across Scotland are being practical, growing local food resilience with a year on year rise in activity on the ground. In an increasingly insecure world, bringing food production with nature closer to home, in the company of others is on the rise. It’s positive, practical action that has a role for everyone. If you want help to get involved contact us – Let’s Get Growing Scotland.