Growchapel!

22 Sep Growchapel!

EMEN took a trip out west this week to meet colleagues at a fantastic event run by Glasgow Social Enterprise Network. The “Growchapel” project is based at Fortune Works in Drumchapel, a sprawling community site which also hosts a garden centre, bike hub, halls and more. We took a short walk over to the community allotment space to see what was going on.

Operations Manager David gave us an overview of the project, and walked us through the various sustainable initiatives being introduced on site. There are no mains water facilities, so rainwater is collected around the estate to water plants. Polytunnels assist exotic items such as peppers and chilies to grow, and there are plans to expand the site to include a market garden with it’s own wind turbine for power.

More than anything, the site is a great piece of community engagement. There had been no serious issues of vandalism or anti-social behaviour to date, because local young people had been actively involved in the project, and saw it as part of their community. It felt like a great example of what is possible when simple things – growing a carrot, picking an apple – become a part of our lives again, rather than being commodified or wholesaled.

We returned to Fortune Works for a group activity discussing the potential for us to expand our “green” projects in the months ahead, and then enjoyed a delicious bowl of leek & potato soup – all harvested from Growchapel, of course!

It was an inspiring day with lots of hopeful, positive people, and many connections to explore. If you’re in the Drumchapel area do visit Fortune Works to see this great project for yourself.