Edible community planting beds 'will support biodiversity and teach youngsters where food comes from'
Children in Devon have been planting edible community food beds - featuring salad, fruits and herbs.
Last updated 20th Jul 2021
The scheme, led by East Devon District Council, teaches youngsters about where food comes from - and the idea is that anyone can eat the food grown 'to make healthy food accessible to people, help the environment and to help wellbeing by bring people together through this positive community based planting'.
One of the new beds has now been planted in Seafield Gardens, in Seaton, with help from Seaton Environmental Action Group (SEA).
Another was planted at Exmouth beach gardens with the help of a group of children from Isolation Creation – all youngsters who have experienced a tough time through the pandemic so loved the opportunity to get involved.
The council also planted a small edible bed in Sidmouth, on the road towards the seafront.
A spokesperson for the project said: "The planting will support biodiversity providing food not just for humans but our pollinators as well and also help climate change by capturing carbon."
Cllr Geoff Jung, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder for the Coast, Country and Environment, said: "All volunteers enjoyed planting out the beds, spending time together in a safe outdoor space and the satisfaction of now watching the plants grow
"The children loved trying the taste of the herbs and especially the edible flowers that we planted. Local residents have also been really supportive and love the idea
"We have offers from local residents of watering and picking out some of the tomato plant leaves so we get a bumper crop, and as a thank you they will take some food from the edible beds in return.
"Hopefully this will encourage others to get involved.
"Please help spread the word that the herbs are there to be harvested and enjoyed and if you’re passing you might be lucky and find a ripe strawberry”
Hayley Watson, from Isolation Creation, added it is 'a great opportunity for the children to learn about planting and experience different tastes from all the edible plants'.
"The children have had a tough time with the pandemic so it’s great for them to be out and help volunteering to plant up the edible beds.
"The beds are great for the environment so help towards a better brighter future for everyone.”