Barnes Common Events are encouraging people to get involved in their community garden to help fulfil their mission of nature conservation, biodiversity and lifelong learning.
Vine Road Community Growing Project is an initiative run by Barnes Common Events where all ages and abilities are welcome to join and grow food together.
Barnes Common Events community growing coordinator Nicky Buley said: “A lot of people say in the modern day that they feel disconnected from nature.
“Kids don’t know where the tomatoes that we get in polythene in the supermarket actually come from.”
In an age of growing reliance on technology and a waning interest in our environment, schemes like the Vine Road Community Growing Project are crucial for reconnecting communities with their green spaces.
Nicky said: “It’s important that people develop that kind of connection with nature if they’re going to protect it in the future.”
Interest in projects like these is a promising sign for the wellbeing of the community.
Connecting people with the source of their food is a step in the right direction for perpetuating healthy eating habits.
With more than 500 followers on Eventbrite, where the group advertises their upcoming events, Barnes Common Events continues to grow and engage with the community.
They also donate their produce weekly to the Richmond Food Bank Network.
Barnes Common Events ensures that their events are accessible and inclusive.
They actively host events catered to minority groups like LGBTQ+ growing group sessions and dementia friendly walks.
Another way they have worked toward full inclusivity is by becoming fully wheelchair accessible.
They also host events that take place such as after school clubs to provide educational spaces for children.
Along with this, they run outreach programmes for different communities, such as Duke of Edinburgh placements to get teenagers involved in the great outdoors.
More information about Barnes Common Events can be found on their website here.
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