EcoLearn CIC, a social enterprise based at Kenwick Park was awarded £10,000 of Community Investment Funding by the Theddlethorpe Community Partnership for their Sow, Study, Sustain project.
The Sow, Study, Sustain Community Growing Project took place in Mablethorpe and surrounding areas and built on an existing collaboration with community groups and organisations to deliver a new growing initiative.
The project provided 20 grow at home kits to disadvantaged members of the community to begin to encourage them to grow their own food plants. A total of 24 residents from the Search Area received hands on training as part of the inspirational project.
This is delivered in conjunction with a local housing association, Platform Housing. EcoLearn personally delivered growing kits to people and they were given detailed instructions and support so they can grow foodplants at home and become more resilient.
Talking about the purpose of the group, Ashley Butterfield explained,
“EcoLearn has a sow, study, sustain concept that means we support people to sow the seeds and grow food plants at home. We collect the seedlings they produce and put it onto one of our microfarm sites, which will then go back to our supergrowers.”
Discussing what they have been able to achieve with the funding, Ashley added,
“We’ve been able to purchase the equipment and materials; the seeds, the trays, and then we sustain it by keeping in touch and supporting these people in the community.”
EcoLearn also keep in touch with its network of Super Growers through WhatsApp, social media and telephone calls, and to gain feedback and check in with their recipients. The group provides a valuable service in the community, with Ashley further adding,
“EcoLearn is important to the local community, we help people become more resilient at what is a difficult time. One of the proudest things, really, is seeing the sense of achievement from some of the individuals.”
Read about the funding available and how to apply on our Community Investment Funding page.