Feedback from Lou Evans, Social Farms and Gardens

[ToniCl5]

Lou had a few things to suggest we keep in mind when deciding about a Highland Community Food Growing Network (HCFGN for "short")
* why do we feel one is needed?
* what will it offer those that join?
* need to regularly check the network is "working" for those in it
* If HGFC is a vehicle for action rather than the deliverer who could host the network?
* Lou will find out more about Abundant Borders a recently established community food growing network
* The creation of this network must work in partnership of other policies and strategies going on across Highland - Highland Food Growing Strategy, Climate Change agenda, Green Recovery and others I'm sure many of you know of.
* Any platform for the Network needs to be sustainable with minimal resources.

One possibility is Highland Environmental Network (HEN). They haven been inactive for a few years but keen to be involved in wider community food growing along with HGFC. Overseeing the HCFGN is something they'd like to consider if others feel it's of help.
HEN is in the process of changing its legal status and is looking for motivated individuals to help steer the group forward. At the moment HEN is being held up by Suzann Barr at Abriachan with moral support from Toni and Marion who were involved in HEN about 20 years ago, so new blood very welcome.

Just an aside - in October 2019 Eden Communities held an event at Abriachan to bring together community food growing projects. The names of those attending has gone astray so if any of you know of anyone who was there HEN would be interested to hear from you so we can contact folk if things get going again. Please contact Toni in the first instance toniclark2@gmail.com

[jf_Josie]

Hi Toni,

Thanks so much for this!
Just to say, we have Karen from Abundant Borders participating in our group already! She has given some useful info already and has offered to speak more about their experience at our next Zoom call that we are organising on the Doodle poll

[ToniCl5]

Good news.

[Kat_Lee]

Hi there! This is great thank you. I’d be interested in hearing more about HEN.
I have actually done the Abundant Borders online training - they have a community garden and also a very comprehensive set of learning resources (9 modules worth) about all things from soil health, composting, growing, companion planting, harvesting and preserving. As a beginner grower myself it was brilliant.

[Anna Patfield]

Hi, Great to hear that HEN is re-establishing
Very happy to help - given too that we - Planet Sutherland - have been trying to get in contact with them regarding their re-start - and have been looking at forming a - HI - climate / environment / future communities Network.
Please ask them to get in touch - oneplanetsutherland@gmail.com
thanks
anna

[ToniCl5]

Thanks Anna, yes you're right we'd a good fit. I'll pass on your message to Suzann Barr.