'The Resilience of the Community Growing Sector in Northern Ireland' Report has been published this week and is now available to view.
The report was completed by Social Farms & Gardens in June 2020 during the Covid 19 pandemic and describes the breadth of activity in the sector, summarises the needs of the sector, and makes recommendations for how funders, commissioners and others in the statutory sector can structure their support to best support those working to improve the lives of people in their community. It was written with input from those working in the sector and aims to be representative.
In these uncertain times, with many challenges and opportunities on the horizon, not least the Covid 19 crisis and the climate emergency, a strong, connected community growing sector will provide stability and
resilience in our communities, and is something to be proud of.
A series of case studies showcasing the work of groups in Northern Ireland in connecting people to nature and community have also been published along with the report. From permaculture smallholdings near the beautiful Mourne Mountains in Co. Down, to communities in West Belfast transforming unloved alleyways into friendly, green spaces and much more.
‘Growing Resilience: Digging Deeper’ is a five year project funded by The National Lottery, Community Fund programme. The project increases social capital and resilience in the community growing sector in Northern Ireland. Find out more about the project.
