News
Event: watering for community gardens and public spaces
Our thanks to everyone who came along to our June workshops on watering! Dan talked through the watering needs of different types of plants, and gave some insider tips from the horticultural industry. We also looked water collection and storage, and some of the issues to be aware of.
If you missed the workshops don't worry! All of the information from the workshops will be coming soon via the Growing Communities Toolkit - an online resource for community groups and individuals.
Our thanks to the Sussex Community Development Association, Co-op Community Fund and Ouse Valley Climate Action Fund for their support.
Event: Encouraging wildlife in community gardens
GIA was delighted to host a biodiversity workshop last month at the Peverells Community Garden – all about encouraging wildlife in community gardens and public spaces. Despite the rain, volunteers from a number of community groups took a tour around the garden, discussed how to include plants for wildlife into community spaces, and looked at how to make areas attractive to both wildlife and people. We had lots of lively and interesting discussions and a cup of tea to keep us warm.
If you missed the event – don’t worry! We’ve been out and about talking to community groups to find out what their key questions and ideas are about how community spaces can be make more wildlife-friendly. We’ll be including all of this and more on the new Growing Community Toolkit website – coming soon!
Thank you to everyone who came along – and we look forward to seeing you again!
Thank you to Making It Happen for supporting this project.
Town Council grant means easier access for the Peverells Community Garden
GIA (Gardening In Action) was delighted to be invited to the Seaford Town Forum in April to celebrate a host of local good causes – and to share news of how Seaford Town Council’s community grant has helped improve access to the Peverells Community Garden for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues.
Last year, Gardening In Action was thrilled to be awarded a community grant from Seaford Town Council for wheelchair matting, which was installed this spring by volunteers. The eco-friendly matting will allow people who use wheelchairs to enjoy the garden, as well as providing a level, safer surface for anyone who has difficulty balancing or walking.
To round off an inspiring evening, the Mayor’s awards were presented – including one for Dan Ori, GIA Director – for Community Charity Champion!
GIA would like to congratulate all the award and grant winners and thank Seaford Town Council for their support.
The Peverells Community Garden is a joint project between GIA (Gardening In Action) C.I.C. and Roots Rising C.I.C.
Online Workshop: Choosing Structures for Community Groups
GIA was delighted to host a lively and informative workshop last month in partnership with 3VA, Greenhavens Network and Havens Community Hub. The workshop introduced the different legal structures available to community groups, and explained where people can go for more help and advice. You can watch a recording of the workshop here.
We were pleased to receive this testimonial: “I recently attended a Gardening in Action webinar which, in short space of time, completely demystified the tricky subject of governance for community groups. It was so helpful to be taken step by step through the pros and cons of different structures and models and then at the end to have a chance to pick the brains of the expert panel. I also very much appreciated the opportunity to send in follow queries – as its often after the event when you think of the key question!”
The workshop is part of our new 'Growing Communities Toolkit', supported by Making It Happen. More information and resources coming soon!
A fruity weekend for GIA!
Dan Ori, GIA Director, spent a busy weekend - all about fruit! On Saturday, Dan was with the Friends of Bishopstone Station, to give a talk about soft fruit. Comments included: 'a fabulous, informative talk'.
Sunday saw GIA teaming up with Trees for Seaford, Peacehaven Community Orchard and Ouse Valley Climate Action Fund to deliver a full day's workshop on winter fruit tree pruning. Members from a range of community groups were there, from Seaford, Newhaven, Peacehaven and Ferring, with refreshments generously provided by the Co-op.
We were even blessed with the weather, with rain and fog during the morning indoor session giving way to spring sunshine in the afternoon.
A full list of Dan's talks and workshops can be found here.
14th January 2024: Trees for Seaford Tool Sharpening Workshop
Dan Ori (GIA Director) delivered a Tool Sharpening and Tool Care workshop for Trees for Seaford. The workshop covered how to clean, sharpen, maintain and disinfect secateurs, loppers, and other gardening tools. Keeping tools clean and sharp is important for lots of reasons. It keeps plants and trees healthy; people are less likely to injure themselves and it keeps plants and trees healthy and helps prevent pests and diseases. Feedback from the workshop included: "Thankyou to the organisers and to Dan for a brilliant workshop and delicious food. I learnt such a lot and now have a new years resolution to keep my tools in a better condition."
The workshop was funded by The Ouse Valley Climate Action Fund.
18th October 2023: LDFP Food Summit
GIA CIC reaches new heights of recognition from summit panelists for support!
Find out more about the Lewes District Food Partnership
10th October 2023: Dan Ori features in The Press and Journal!
GIA' fame has spread as far as Scotland! Read about what makes community gardening such a great idea!
10th October 2023: Radio GIA
If you missed Dan on Seahaven FM's Community People with Len Fisher, you can listen on demand.
Dan talks about growing plants and community, along with highlighting his new Cultivate Programme for Job Seekers.
https://player.autopod.xyz/426616
1. Click on link
2. Expand like a photo
3. Press arrow to play
Event: Encouraging wildlife in community gardens