Members of the Northallerton and villages in Transition group

Local people are joining forces to dig out new ways of promoting locally grown food.

Over 50 people attended a day long workshop in Northallerton last weekend to plan for a future without oil and with a reduced reliance on important products.

The event - hosted by the Northallerton and Villages in Transition Group – looked into all aspects of local food production with presentations by garden sharing schemes, allotment projects, a community orchard and the award-winning Incredible Edible Todmorden vegetable-growing initiative.

“The day provided us with a refreshing look at what practical steps can be taken to promote the sourcing of local produce and what excellent results can be achieved if communities work together,” said Forum Chair, Sally Anderson.

“The group agreed to develop a range of practical schemes and would welcome support from others with an interest, or expertise, in community agriculture projects”.

The development of a landshare scheme, the planting of fruit and vegetables in community spaces, seed exchanges and working alongside local schools to encourage young people to take up gardening were looked at.

The Northallerton and Villages in Transition group is looking at practical ideas to enable the community to collectively work towards a greener environment. The group is a member of the Hambleton Strategic Partnership which seeks to encourage community-led projects and develop initiatives which will improve the quality of life for people living in Hambleton. Spearheaded by the Northallerton and Villages Community Forum the Transition Town group is looking to join the national Transition Towns movement which started in Kinsale in Ireland and Totnes in Devon and is now spreading to York, Kirkbymoorside and many more towns, villages and communities.

The next meeting of the Group is to be held on Tuesday 23rd February at 7pm in Northallerton Methodist Church – everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information contact Peter Cole, Community Link Officer, on 01609 767212 email peter.cole@hambleton.gov.uk