The Conservation Volunteers are delighted to have been successful in a partnership application to the Climate Action Fund for a project in Derry City and Strabane District, called The Acorn Farm Project.
The project aims to support people to tackle climate change hands-on by growing their own food and learning about how their food choices affect the environment. TCV Northern Ireland will be working in partnership with The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, Derry City and Strabane District Council, and University College Cork.
The Climate Action Fund is managed by The National Lottery Community Fund and is a 10-year fund set up to help communities throughout the UK reduce their carbon footprint and show what is possible when people take the lead in tackling climate change.
TCV’s role in The Acorn Farm Project involves recruiting 100 families across the Derry and Strabane areas, who will be supported to grow food at home, beginning the creation of a more sustainable food system throughout the city.
Research into the local food system is also being carried out and the longer-term vision is to create an innovation hub for sustainable food production in St. Columb’s Park.
Local mum and TCV volunteer Hayley Donan and her family have already been growing their own vegetables. Discussing the project, Hayley said:
“It’s not only great for the kids and I to have our own food supply, but it also looks wonderful growing in the garden. The strawberries have been great this year!
We just love getting out in the fresh air, weeding together and seeing what we produce, all while helping the climate and I am delighted that this money has been awarded to Derry and Strabane, as more of this is needed in the area.”
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr. Brian Tierney welcomed the project and said: “In these uncertain times, sustainable food production has never been more critical in terms of stimulating local food supplies and climate change mitigation; reducing food miles and our carbon footprint.”
Everyone needs to play a part in halting climate change and growing your own food at home is a great way to do this.
TCV is looking forward to working with many people across Derry City and Strabane District, to support them in learning how to grow their own food in a sustainable way. The project will create a community of climate resilient citizens through hands on training and the sharing of knowledge around sustainable food growing.