Local primary schools will be getting green fingers in preparation for the planting of an edible garden at a park in Beeston today.
The planting in Cross Flatts Park has been organised and funded by the Friends of Cross Flatts Park group, and is part of the Edible Cities project aimed at engaging local people in the sustainable growing of food and healthy eating.
Local councillor, Angela Gabriel, is chair of the Friends group and is fully supportive of the community project in one of her local parks.
Three planting beds have been prepared bythe council’s Parks and Countryside department, ripe for sowing a selection of fruit trees, fruit bushes and shrubs such as strawberries, blackcurrants and gooseberries.
The timing of the planting has been timed to coincide with the onset of spring which will hopefully allow the plants to flourish.
Children from two local primary schools, Cross Flatts and Hunslet Moor, will be on hand on the day to help with the planting andw ill continue to oversee the ongoing care of the garden. Local residents have also been invited to bring their gardening gloves and shovels and get involved.
Councillor Angela Gabriel (Lab, Beeston and Holbeck) said:
“The edible garden is an excellent idea as it will engage local children and residents alike in the growing of healthy, tasty and organic food.
“It is fantastic that local children are going to be strongly involved in a project that will encourage healthy eating and self-sufficiency. I have no doubt it will be highly rewarding for them to see the garden progress and flourish in the months and years to come.
“The garden will bean important addition to the community, providing fantastic produce for local people, a chance to learn new skills and will improve the aesthetic value of the area, not to mention being a great recreation space for relaxation during the summer months and jubilee celebrations.
“I am looking forward to seeing a great turn out on the day, reflecting the fantastic community spirit we have here in Beeston.”
