This is the first of two reports on what Transition Ashtead is up to.  We have started two action groups, one on Home Energy and one on Food.  The food group is really an umbrella group for sub-groups on different aspects of the subject, and we have called our first sub-group ‘Grow Your Own’.  As the name implies its aim is to encourage people in Ashtead to grow more food.  This group has met three times and will soon be launching ‘Ashtead Garden Share’.  This will link (a) people who have a garden but cannot manage it themselves with (b) people who want to grow fruit and vegetables but haven’t the space.  When we find a match we will help them draw up a garden share agreement which will answer questions like:

• on what times and days will the gardener have access to the garden?
• what part of the garden constitutes the garden share plot?
• who decides what is grown and where?
• how will produce grown on the plot be shared?

We’re planning to start publicising the scheme in week beginning 22 February, but we’ve already had offers of gardens without really trying.  There are plenty of big gardens in Ashtead!

Once the garden share is up and running we will look seriously at having a Community Garden, but whether this happens will depend on finding the right site and finding enough people who want to participate.  Finally we’re planning a public event in May or June on the theme of turning Ashtead green.

If anyone is interested in learning more about any of these activities you can ring me on 01372-378914 or email foodgroup@ transitionashtead.org.uk

Derek Smith