A new project has been launched to create up to three new community growing spaces within some of the most green-deprived parts of Coventry.
As part of its 15-year strategic energy partnership in Coventry, E.ON has provided funding to Coventry City Council to create new community growing spaces in the city. The initiative is called ‘Coventry Grows’.
A new community group called ‘Growing Together’ has been set up by the project with an initial five-year lease to manage Stoke Heath Community Garden on two unused plots of land.
In partnership with E.ON, Grapevine, Garden Organic and Citizen, the project will provide training, equipment and seeds to create the new gardens so the community can come together to access high quality green spaces and grow their own local fruit and veg.
- Community growing spaces have several benefits for residents and their surroundings, including:
- Helping people maintain good physical and mental health
- Strengthening connections within communities and creating spaces for communities to enjoy
- Allowing people to grow their own fruit and veg locally and sustainably
- Creating spaces for wildlife
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said,” This is a great project getting unused green areas brought back into use for the local community. A lot of hard work is ahead but once established these spaces and the produce grown on them will be a lovely asset for the local community and a great space for all to come together.”
Natalie Keogh, E.ON’s Director of Cities and Heat Solutions, said: “We’re delighted to fund this fantastic community initiative as part of our commitment to Coventry and the local community. Our strategic partnership is all about delivering sustainable solutions for Coventry and its people, and the Coventry Grows initiative will deliver just that – plus added benefits in terms of community engagement and wellbeing. We’re excited to see this venture take shape as the next project in our ongoing support for the city.”
For more information about Coventry Grows, visit: Coventry Grows – Coventry City Council
For more information about the E.ON’s strategic energy partnership in Coventry, visit eonenergy.com/Coventry