The Urban Farming project works with families across Middlesbrough, helping them grow their own fruit and vegetables by providing plots, training and practical sessions.  There are three community Urban Farming sites - at West Lane, Saltersgill and Easterside - and lots more Urban Farming growing groups at schools and community centres in the town – 72 at the last count!  Growing your own is a great way to get fit and healthy and spend some time together, and fresh produce makes for delicious, cheap and healthy family meals!

Urban Farmers have, in the past, contributed produce to Middlesbrough’s Town Meals, celebrated local food at community parties and open days, set up food co-ops and exchanged seeds at Seedy Sunday.  They’ve also gained OCN qualifications in horticulture, planted new orchards and some will become beekeepers in 2011 after receiving training through the Bee Friend community beekeeping project.  But there’s still more to do!

New community growing sites will be established in the coming year, enabling more people to grow their own and share their skills and stories with others and by working with the Grown in Middlesbrough project, more experienced growers will have the opportunity to generate funds to support their gardening enterprises.  Four community bee apiaries will be in place by the summer of 2011 and the first harvest of community tree fruit will be shared in autumn.  The network of growing groups is set to expand too, with many more schools, youth groups, charities and local business jumping on board.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the Urban Farming project.  To join in, or for more information, please get in touch.