Exciting plans have been announced to transform a six-acre field next to Totteridge Academy into a thriving working farm and community resource. It will work like an outdoor classroom putting people directly back in touch with nature and the food chain.
The project is designed to grow fresh produce and flowers and rear animals to supply the school canteen as well as to sell to the public, creating volunteering and learning opportunities. Working with TTA and other local schools and community groups, children and adults will be given an opportunity to learn how to grow their own food, get outside and develop new skills that they might not otherwise be able to access. There will also be workshops including healthy cooking and nutrition, yoga, meditation and beekeeping.
These facilities will be open to children and local residents, creating a much needed community resource. The GROW HQ will create volunteering opportunities, a multipurpose affordable community space and fresh produce for sale in Barnet.
Some initial funding is in place for the set-up of the farm, but the organisers will be running an online fundraising campaign to fund the construction of a multipurpose classroom/community building on site. By using Spacehive there is a chance of receiving £25,000 from the Mayor of London and various other charitable funds to help get the project off the ground. However, to be eligible for these funds, they need to generate support from as many local people as possible, even if it’s just a donation of a pound.
On Saturday 18th May they will be holding an open day at TTA from 10am to 2pm to introduce this exciting new project to the local community and launch the crowdfunding campaign.
Images courtesy of GROW.
