Council can help you grow your own

A pioneering green scheme which aims to encourage people to grow their own food has got £20,000 in grants to give away to budding green-fingered residents this year.

The Grow Local Swansea Fund has been opened again for people to make their bids for grants that will help make a difference.

Cllr Will Evans, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Anti-Poverty and Communities, said the scheme, which has now been running for four years, has helped scores of local residents and groups to get up and running with their growing schemes.

“It’s been a very successful project so far. Grow Local Swansea was set up originally so that communities that needed tools or tuition or a little bit of infrastructure such as a tool shed to get going with growing had the chance to access a small grant,” he said.

“Gardening is a great way to exercise, to socialise, to teach children about the environment and to grow your own fruit and veg, for example, instead of having to buy from the supermarket. It’s making a difference in communities right across the city.”

This year’s grants scheme offers between £250 and £5,000 for specific projects which can include the purchase of sheds or greenhouses, site improvements like fencing or water supply, and even training for those who aren’t sure where to start.

Posters and flyers have been going up at community venues around the city to promote Grow Local Swansea. A dedicated website can also be found at www.swansea.gov.uk/growlocal which includes details on how to apply.

Cllr Evans said: “Gardening is one of the most popular pastimes around and there are so many benefits residents can gain from it. The popularity of Grow Local Swansea over the last four years shows what can be achieved with a small amount of money and a lot of enthusiasm.”