Foundation Derby/Circle of Life
Foundation Derby: our donor Circle of Life
This large plot as you enter is a strange shape. It has a lovely poly tunnel built by Jack Rice. Sadly it now a little worse for wear. After several conversations this plot offers a number of benefits for WACS members: somewhere for children to have a raised bed ,a area to grow food to supply Gussie's Food Kitchen, the use of a poly tunnel for members who do have one or a green house, and area where you can sit and chat.
The award is for £1280. Our super secretary also managed to persuade HomeBase (Sheffield) to donate £250 worth of gardening materials and Suttons Seeds to donate several packets of seeds.
#FoundationDerbyshire for more information about their work and this project.
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The former X3 plot has been renovated and repurposed as a WACS Community Plot. It is multi-purposed, an area of raised beds to grow produce to support Gussies Food Kitchen, an area for young persons to have a raised bed and the use of poly tunnel for those who do not have one or greenhouse on site.
There is also a sit and chat area for those who want a quiet place or to take a break.
Summary of work undertaken
Prior to the award the plot was cleared of weed and debris.
Since the award there has been ongoing work to clear the poly tunnel of rubbish and wooden benches. The narrow raised bed been taken out and the soil manured and cultivated. Some additional benching is planned.
Several bags of plastic waste, mainly old plant pots bottles, metal containers and wood have been removed. This has been taken to the local tip. The plastic poly tunnel has been repaired.
On the far side a former raised bed has been repaired.
Alongside the tunnel a wood pile and pavers have been cleared. Two ready made raised beds were found which once tided can be a used for children of members in the sitting area.
Once the benching is in members without a green house can use the tunnel to raise seedlings and plant in the bed.
The inclement weather has delayed work on the plot to clear weeds. The ground fabric is ready to lay.
1st April, the plot is cleared and ground fabric laid. We were able to use disused concreate posts as edging. A couple well spent hours. Next task is to mark out the raised beds and order the wood.
Discussion with the member who is working with Gussie's Food kitchen about planting and organising collecting surplus crops.
25th Arpil 2023,planning the raised beds layout: 12 raised beds 7ft x 3ft with a 3ft path between each plus a seating area.
26th April 2023 Planning meeting for how best to use the Community Plot and Poly tunnel. Eight members met to agree on the layout for the raised beds. Other issues discussed included what to grow for Gussie's kitchen, a children growing area, use of the poly tunnel and herb bed. Accessibility was also discussed. Seeds sown in the raised bed behind the tunnel. Any appropriate spare seeds or seedings may be donated, but please speak to Helen first. 'Whatsapp' group set up for Committee members.
27th April 2023 Wood order placed.
30th April 2023 Discussion with X3 Community Plot Committee regards poly tunnel. Fabric and grow bags placed in the tunnel ready for use. A record book is used to record who has plant what.
2nd May 2023 Wood delivered volunteers to build the raised beds.
3rd May 2023 First raised bed made up.
24thMay 2023 The project has slowed due to variety of reasons. However, work has progressed. Work on building the raised beds continues, just three to build. Reclaimed concrete beams form a good edge. Need to decide whether wood chippings and/or pavers provide the best disability surface. A bonus has being able to 'reclaim' several tons of topsoil to fill the beds. The rest of the wood order arrives this Friday. The social aspect has started with a 'cake and coffee' Sunday. The planting has been a bit delayed, however, there is a planting plan in mind.
The Society welcomed new plot holders with children and grand children. Some of the beds are to be set aside for children to learn about cultivation.
7th June 2023 Fantastic progress this week on the Community Plot. Its all coming together. Raisedbeds completed by John, Mark and Hazel organising two deliveries of wood chips which were spread across the plot in record time by Mark, Rob, John, Debra and ably assisted by Ronnie and Dexter. Hazel, Sue and Susie spent the morning tidying and planting. The topsoil is also on its way to complete the filling of the raised beds. A few jobs remaining incuding the children's area and seating. Our thanks to all involved.
11th June2023/ weekend. The finishing touches to the raised beds. Planted with mixed brassicas, climbing beans on the frame, and more to add this week. Tasks remaining is tidying up of the siting area and creating some half barrels for the 'Childrens' Plot'.
Steering group meeting Wednesday. Plans to visit Gussies or they come to us,and making contact with local food banks on the use of surplus vegetables.
17th June 2023 Last effort to shift the top soil. This was used to bank up the potatoes. Raised beds have beans with pumpkins, swiss chard, spring onion, brassicia, onions, carrot already planted. Two raised beds will have leeks. The poly tunnel has tomatoes, peppers and cucumber growing Plan to make an information board to explain the grant award. The physical part is in place, the Community dimension is developing.
July- August has seen the plot planted up. Contact with ocal foodbanks and Gussies have taken place. There is a box to collect surplus produce: Sunday -Tuesday.Please avoid oversized courgettes and leafy veg as this is prone to wilt.
The physical aspect of this project has now been completed. Keeping it weed free is a challenge, watering is not with all the rain we have had.
The awarded budget has come in as an underspend. We have applied to spend some of this on gardening sundries and paint for the shelter. We will be returning some of this funding.
Supporting Gussie's food kitchen
