‘I Can Grow’ project to support 258 families in Derry and Strabane

Participating families are now taking their first steps towards growing their own food, with equipment provided and some expert mentoring from the local Council’s newly appointed horticulturalist and a team of conservation volunteer.

The ‘I Can Grow’ project led by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland supported by the National Lottery Community Fund and delivered in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council, The Conversation Volunteers and University College Cork.

It was launched in December 2020 sparking an overwhelming response from families across Derry and Strabane, generating hundreds of expressions of interest. The project will run over two growing seasons.

Shauna Kelpie, Acorn Fund Development Officer at the Community Foundation said: “We want this project to start a wider conversation around the sustainability of our food and educate local people about where our food comes from, how it’s grown and how its carbon footprint contributes to climate change. We originally opened the project to accommodate 100 families. The fact that we have now over 250 families signed up highlights the demand for projects like this.

“Not only does growing your own food help the climate, but there are also lots of health benefits too. Taking time to sow seeds, nurture and eat fruit and vegetables is so good for our mental and physical wellbeing.”

Mayor of Derry and Strabane Brian Tierney said he was delighted to see the level of interest. “It is fantastic to see that it’s appealed not just to local families, but to young people with a passion for the environment, people living on their own who really need a project during these difficult times and older people who want to pass on their gardening knowledge to their grandchildren,” he said.

Kate Beggs, Director of The National Lottery Community Fund NI, said: “The ‘I Can Grow’ Project was the first in Northern Ireland to receive funding from our 10-year £100 million Climate Action Fund, set up to help communities throughout the UK reduce their carbon footprint.”

David Montgomery of The Conservation Volunteers said: “The response to this project is encouraging and exciting.

“Together, we will confidently pioneer small-scale residential food production in Northern Ireland, gaining the many benefits of this opportunity along our journey and sharing our experiences with as many others as possible to encourage a greater awareness of how growing food at home can make a significant and positive change to our environment, our overall health and community resilience.”