Housing Association Roots For Growth

BELIEF in the power of small actions was realised when a housing association donated gardening equipment to a residents’ association working with a growing group.

Three Closes residents’ association on Warwick Way has received a considerable donation from landlord Stonewater housing association to support their work with Incredible Edible Loughborough developing green spaces into food growing areas.

Leader of the association Sue Wilson said growing fresh produce for the estate will be increased through the donation including the addition of raised beds designed for use by the disabled, more composting bins to create a three-bin system and an additional four water butts with taps.

“At the moment Incredible Edible relies on others for water supplies, I heard about one lad who was also bringing water all the way from the stream this summer. With these new water butts there should be a lot more collected and available,” said Sue.

“Since Incredible Edible has been working here we’ve been harvesting beetroot, runner beans and soft fruit for residents. The donation also includes litter pickers to keep the area clean,” she added.

Chair of the residents’ association Josie Falconer said it’s about getting people involved, particularly young people who tend to keep themselves to themselves.

“They perhaps like to work without our involvement. There are quite a few single person flats here in the tower blocks and we don’t see much of them,” said Ms Falconer.

She said the group was more active before Covid when they used to cook fresh food for the elderly.

Making the produce more accessible by bagging it up after picking and leaving it in the community centre for people was discussed as well as putting up posters on the notice boards in the blocks to encourage take – up as well as participation.

But the community growers now have their youngest ever member: eight – year – old Leo from the estate contributes his time and enthusiasm when he’s not at school to the planting, having taken over a space to grow himself.