Young people hope the answer lies in the soil

(media 1829)

Despite the heat wave young people have been putting their backs into the launch of a new local food growing enterprise.

Work has begun on the urban farm in Wolverton, where vegetables and salad crops will be grown organically and sold to individuals, shops and restaurants in the local community.

The project is run by a new social enterprise group called Growing People, which is part of the Milton Keynes Christian Foundation.

Up to 20 young people, who are not in further education and have no jobs, will work full time on the project and receive training.

Heather Talbot, Growing People project leader said: "It's great experience for them working on a social enterprise project as its like an actual work environment, so it is experience that will hopefully translate when they get a job.

"It's also a good stepping stone where they can build their confidence and work on their interpersonal skills."

The 2.5 acre farm is in the area behind Windsor Street, Gloucester Road and Marrion Lane, on land rented from Wolverton and Greenleys Town Council.

In two months the group has cut down the brambles, put up three poly tunnels and planted potatoes, sweetcorn and beans.

They also plan to grow salad and other vegetables such as baby beetroot and carrots using an environmentally friendly 'no dig' technique, which involves laying mulch and cardboard over the existing vegetation, covering it in compost and allowing it to rot down before planting.

Miss Talbot added: "We hope that the project will become self-funding by selling the produce. We have already had interest from pubs such as The Greyhound in Haversham and The Navigation Inn in Cosgrove.

"We also want other groups to get involved such as schools and community groups."

To find out more visit the MK NEWS website, www.mk-news.co.uk, and watch our exclusive video.

Miss Talbot is also calling for people with gardening experience who would like to work with young people to help out.

Call 01908 311112 or email heather.talbot@mkchristianfoundation.co.uk.