Custom Food Lab are working in partnership with Martello Primary to transform a new growing space from scrub land to a fully functioning safe outdoor learning and community food growing space. The garden has been designed in four sections – the forest garden (with covered area for outdoor learning and community activities), sensory garden, wildlife pond area and a section of 8 raised beds including a wheelchair accessible bed. Future plans include an area of permaculture allotments, that will be available to members of the community and a programme of artists residencies.

Martello Primary Principal Wayne Beech says: “Community is at the heart of Martello, you will hear our staff and children frequently stating that Martello is a family. We accept, we support and we nurture. So it is with immense pride and excitement that we are building a community focused collaboration with Custom Food Lab.

The world has been a strange place as of late, in some ways distancing has brought us closer together and helped us all to appreciate each other a little more. The Locavore Garden will be the embodiment of these values, a place to work, play and learn together and maintain the true meaning of community.”

The project will be delivered using a holistic permaculture framework based around forest gardening techniques – an ecological design system which cooperates with nature and creates sustainable ways of living. Over the coming months, staff will receive training to deliver forest and wild beach school sessions in the Locavore Garden and nearby, which can then be offered to local families and school students, to allow children the time and space to develop skills, interest and understanding through a range of activities which provide practical, hands-on experiences in a natural environment. There will also be opportunities for volunteers from outside the school to get involved in gardening groups, free training programmes and other community activities.

Custom Food Lab are committed to ensuring that the Locavore Garden can be used by every member of the community. Funding has been allocated to make the garden spaces fully accessible, with raised beds, paths that are wheelchair friendly and sensory areas, designed with the purpose of stimulating the senses.

Watch this space or join our facebook group for updates and events:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/locavoregrowingproject