Our ‘Get Your Community Growing’ workshop series aimed to enhance knowledge and capacity for community growing projects across the Highlands, fostering connections between groups and contributing to the growth of the good food movement. The project featured a variety of workshops in different locations. Below are summaries of th workshops, and some useful resources for further learning.
Get Your Community Growing
See below all of our past workshops from across the Highlands:
Growing Inside & Out in the Far North, Tongue
7th September 2024: This workshop covered so much!
- An overview of the yearly planting and site design planning.
- Finding out both what grows well in the north and what local children and adults like to eat.
- Opportunities for communities to share skills and time.
- Topics covered included seed saving, planning your growing year, how to keep in touch with one another.
All in all a great collaborative event between Sharon at Thurso Grows, Dee at Tongue Primary School and the HGFP team.
Resources
Unique to the Highlands! Transition Black Isle’s “Growing Guide for the North of Scotland”. Also available by post £12.00 plus postage
How to Grow Vegetable A-Z cards from Garden Organic
Seed suppliers happy to share their knowledge to help you save your own seed: Seeds of Scotland, Real Seeds (Seeding Saving info)
Delve into the First Tunnels website for advice on seasonal growing in your polytunnel.
Composting Refresher & No Dig Gardening, Ullapool
23rd June 2024: These two workshops in one were run by Riverside Community Allotments in Ullapool in conjunction with Emma Planterose Magenta from West Edge. It was really beneficial to be able to learn from an expert such as Emma in such a relaxed setting.
“Since completing this I have personally introduced some no dig beds in our communal garden where I live, using many of the wild flowers and herbs we dug up during the workshop.”
No Dig Resources:
Charles Dowding’s resources are a great place to start. Charles Dowding video
Composting Resources:
The Spirit of the Soil – booklet
Soil Health, Bonar Bridge
29th May 2024: This workshop, run at Kyle of Sutherland Kitchen Garden in Bonar Bridge explored the incredible subject of soil health, and how if we look after our soil, then we benefit not only the plants that we grow, but also our own health.
What I learned …
“How to make and use comfrey tea”
“I learned lots. I’m a complete beginner. I now have 2 compost bins and more knowledge of what to do with them.”
Resources:
Zero waste Scotland guide for Highland: https://highlandcompost.scot/looking-after-local-soils/
Therapeutic Gardening Charity resource: https://www.thrive.org.uk/get-gardening/how-to-improve-your-soil-health#
Advice on making comfrey fertiliser: https://comfrey.co.uk/how-to-make-comfrey-tea/
& https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/expert-advice/comfrey/using-comfrey
Social Media for Community Growing Groups
20th January 2024 This workshop explored strategies for navigating the diverse landscape of social media platforms. They delved into effective ways to promote their endeavours and enhance communication with volunteers and growing community. The session, available both online and in person, provided practical insights on leveraging various social media platforms. The Green Hive Team led discussions and hands-on activities, focusing on participants’ devices of choice.
Resources:
Get Your Community Growing: Top Tips For Fruit Care
20th January 2024 Explore the secrets of caring for fruit trees and bushes in your community growing space with local expert Des Scholes. In a recent workshop hosted by Green Hive in Nairn, participants gained valuable insights into managing fruit trees and shrubs using wildlife-friendly methods. The session covered practical tips and techniques aimed at enhancing the well-being of fruit-bearing plants while fostering a habitat that is friendly to wildlife.
Composting Workshop for Community Gardeners
12th October 2023 A composting workshop at Rosemarkie Beach Cafe, brought to you by Transition Black Isle and the Highland Community Waste Partnership / Highland Good Food Partnership. Participants immersed themselves in diverse home composting techniques, absorbing invaluable insights, tips, and hints shared by seasoned composters in the community. The session even included a hands-on demonstration of the Kobashi composter.
Resources:
Challenges of Community Growing in the Highlands
23rd September 2023 Participants gathered at Craigdhu Croft, Fort William, to meet fellow community growers, discuss the challenges faced in our beautiful Highlands, and left inspired with solutions. The event was a chance for community members to connect, share experiences, and find inspiration for addressing common challenges.
Resources:
Connecting Inverness’ food growing communities
31st August 2023 We had a wonderful day at the New Start Highland garden, where community growers gathered for a get-together. It was an opportunity to meet fellow community growers, make connections, and find sources of support. Many community growing groups were represented, making it a fantastic day of networking and exchanging knowledge and experience.
Seed Saving with Seeds of Scotland
27th August 2023 This workshop covered tips and tricks on how to save your favourite seeds to grow again in your community next year! With practical demonstrations and hands-on seed cleaning. Led by Seeds of Scotland and hosted by the Inverness Botanic Gardens.
Resources:
- Scotland Seed Sovirenty Program
- “Back Garden Seed Saving” written by Sue Stickland (2003)
- Educational films on seed production by DIY Seeds – Watch here.
Community Gardening for Wellbeing
20th May 2023 This workshop explored the ways in which gardening activities can promote physical and mental wellbeing, led by Cheryl at the Strathspey and Kingussie Therapy Garden.
Resources:
- Trellis Scotland
- Think Health Think Nature recently published “Almanac – a seasonal guide to encourage connection to nature and the outdoors” available FREE in Highland libraries
Growing Mushrooms in gardens and woodlands
29th April 2023 A workshop covering multiple techniques of growing mushrooms with the resources you have available to you. Led by Rhyze Mushrooms and hosted by the Abriachan Forest Trust.
Resources:
- “Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation” written by Tradd Cotter (2014) – link to purchase.
- More resources from Rhyze Mushrooms
- Highland mushroom growing Facebook page
How to make Hugelkultur raised beds
3rd April 2023 An introduction to the different techniques used to build Hugelkultur beds, the workshop was run by Fiona Grant and Kerrie McFadzean from the Blooming Gardeners at the Field, Alness.
Resources:
Getting started
1st April 2023 A workshop designed to inspire and build confidence to get growing. Hosted at the Inverness Botanic Gardens with a tour of the gardens and Grow Project allowing people to see a developed garden and discuss how to plan and maintain a productive space.
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“I would highly recommend the course to anyone.” – Mushroom Growing Workshop
“So exciting to see so much is going on around Inverness”
“Continue what you are doing, excellent day, clearly explained and presented and an enjoyable social event. Thank you.”
“We feel so much more connected to the great community of like minded people and groups/organisations.”
“Hugel beds seem great!”
“Meeting amazing people was a joy”
“This event was a great source of expertise”
“No space on the form to give the course 11/10 marks :)”
“Thank you!”
Great sessions. I’ve now inherited some wild flowers for my garden at home!