TLG Helps Woodroffe School Get Planting

Visiting Woodroffe School last week, Suzy Gallina, Turn Lyme Green’s lead for Seeds, Soil and Food,  handed over packets of seeds to be planted by the keen group of Year 7 and 8  Woodroffe students.  The school has launched a new Gardening Club this spring. Headteacher, Mr Dan Watts (left in photo) and teaching assistants Gemma Hawkes (far right) and Nicole Hodges (right) were delighted to receive the box with a huge variety of vegetable and flower seeds.   The Club has a school garden, greenhouse and polytunnel.  Gemma and Nicole, the Club leaders, are excited about getting the members outside preparing the ground and sowing straight away.

Hearing about the enthusiasm of the budding young growers at the school, Suzy said, “It is so valuable for young people to understand what it means to grow food, to have fun and to gain a wider knowledge of food production and food security in the UK today.”

On 1st March Turn Lyme Green hosted its 4th annual popular Seed Saturday.  A vast number of free seeds donated by Cultivating Change, Tamar Organics and Bristol Seed Swap, together with seed saved locally, were shared with the community.  This year the day was expanded to include The Dorset Bee, CB Plants & Herbs and Winnow Farm Seeds and the opportunity to have your secateurs sharpened.  

Suzy encourages local growers to save seed at the end of the season. “It might feel quite small, just saving beans and growing your own food, but actually we think it's really fundamental. By doing something infinitesimally small like this, you are working towards something that makes you feel more hopeful. It's a positive step.”