Fir Tree Community Growers
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In 2010 we will set up a best practice project in Kings Moss, St Helens, Merseyside, UK. Our opportunities will be free to St Helens' residents (subject to funding).
Low carbon demonstration
A working organic market garden
Health and Wellbeing
Learning and skills development
Support for communities wanting to manage their own land
Our market gardening heritage
Becoming a volunteer mentor
Tuesdays “drop in” volunteer days
Wednesday & Thursdays – tailored wellbeing sessions
Fridays & Saturdays - group visits including schools
Saturday am – family growing sessions
Accessible for all
Work experience
Getting to the farm
Low carbon demonstration
In the next few years we hope to display all the latest low-carbon farming techniques and technology, including:
- Carbon sequestration through rich-soil farming and planting perennial crops
- Green manuring techniques
- Closed systems of soil fertility
- Agroforestry – fruit, nuts and coppice
- Biochar production
- Electric tractors
- Minimal bought inputs
- Reduced fossil fuels
- Renewable energy generation and use
- Local food distribution
- Community engagement
- Volunteering and learning opportunities
- Strengthening the local economy
A working organic market garden
From 2010 we aim to produce 20 tonnes of seasonal quality Soil Association / Stockfree Organic registered vegetables (July to March) to be distributed by the SHOOTS Food Coop through their vegetable box scheme to low-income families. We will grow over 50 different vegetables ranging from the staples of potatoes, onions & carrots to more specialist salad bags, broccoli & squash. No matter what the weather there will always be work during the growing season as we raise peat-free organic vegetable plant plugs in our polytunnel - sold to order or through Fir Tree Farm shop www.firtreefarmshop.org.uk
Local health problems are linked to diet and exercise. From 2010, why not come and join us. This will encourage your five-a-day. Our landlords have several miles of footpaths through woodlands and meadows, perfect for a health walk or wildlife trail. They also have chickens, alpacas & highland cattle. If you are recovering from a mental health issue please consider us. Getting outdoors and working with plants has been shown to help. You can join our friendly, non-threatening, non-judgemental workplace.
Whether you want to experience a workplace or learn about food growing from 2010 we can help with classroom and “on the plot” training. We can offer training in organic husbandry, soil care, crop care, rotations, year-round harvest, weeds, pest & diseases, wildlife, business skills and community food growing. Our training can be either informal or accredited AQA Unit Awards delivered over three days:
Low carbon food mentoring – 3 modules
Organic market gardening – 3 modules
Organic “grow your own” - 3 modules
Qualifications are low cost or free to St Helens residents, volunteering over 30 hours.
Support for communities wanting to manage their own land
For something to be sustainable it has to be easily copied and accessible. From 2010 to 2013 we will support food projects in St Helens with a free site visit, advice, training and work experience.
From medieval times market gardening in the urban-rural fringe was an important part of feeding urban populations. It went into massive decline in the early 20th century when we began to source our fruit and veg from the rest of the world. A low-carbon future means market gardening will once again become part of our food security. From 2010 to 2013 we will support at least 3 new market gardens in the North West.
People from all backgrounds can share their wealth of experience through volunteering. We would like to train volunteer mentors to supervise food growing activities. As you will work with vulnerable groups you will need to undergo a CRB check.
Tuesdays “drop in” volunteer days
Tuesdays is harvest day and will be our busiest day. We will welcome “drop in” volunteer mentors and volunteers who come with their own carers. This may particularly suit adults from day services. You can join our friendly workplace and get involved with composting, sowing, planting, watering, weeding, crop care, harvesting and packing. Bring a packed lunch or eat at the café and we can support travel expenses.
Wednesday or Thursday Wellbeing tailored sessions
Our wellbeing sessions are all about improving health, skills and confidence. We will accommodate groups for tailored sessions up to 6 consecutive weeks. We appreciate that Kings Moss is 4 miles outside St Helens and will organise free transport for groups with 5 or more people. If you would like to continue after 6 weeks then you are welcome to join us on Tuesdays.
Saturday 10-12 noon Family food growing
Come and join us for our “drop in” interactive food growing sessions. A parent or guardian must attend.
Schools and groups welcome by prior arrangement. We have coach turning and a place for them to park.
All activities will take place even if raining. Personal protective equipment is provided although visitors are welcome to bring their own. We operate policies in equal opportunities, health & safety, child & vulnerable adult protection. All activities are fully risk assessed with appropriate insurance. The market garden is currently not accessible to wheelchair users and we will put in raised beds and footpaths in the winter of 2009. Wheelchair accessible toilets are at the farm.
We welcome WOOFERS and those who would like to gain work experience. Unfortunately, we cannot offer accomodation near the site.
Address Fir Tree Farm, Pimbo Road, Kings Moss, St Helens, Merseyside, WA11 8RG. Phone Jenny on 01744 894284 (she does not live at the farm) or email climatefriendlyfood@googlemail.com
By Bus from St Helens routes 152 and 356 There is no direct bus service to Kings Moss from St Helens. If there is a group of you from St Helens we can arrange Community Transport (subject to funding). Routes 152 and 356 are circular routes from St Helens to Rainford. By prior notice we can pick you up from Rainford if there isn't a good connection to the 157 service
By Bus from Rainford, Billinge and Ashton in Makerfield 157 There is a direct service that you can ask to drop you off at the corner of Fir Tree Close, Kings Moss, just 50 metres from the farm.
By Train The nearest train station is Upholland, West Lancashire (approx 2 miles) with good services from Liverpool and Manchester. With prior notice we can pick you up.
Directions from St Helens Take the A570 Rainford Road out of St Helens, after you cross the East Lancs Road take an immediate right towards Crank B5201. You should see the brown sign saying Fir tree Farm. Continue for two miles and take a left at Crank Hill B5205. Turn left at Red Cat Lane. Turn Left at Pimbo Road.
Directions from Junction J26 of the M6 (Orrell) At the roundaboout take the A577 ramp to Billinge and Orrell. Turn left at the A577 Orrell Road. At the Stag pub turn left B5206 Moor Road. Stay on this for approx 1.6 miles. Opposite the new housing estate on the hill take a right Crank Road and go over the brough of the hill to the very bottom for 1.8 miles. Turn right at Pimbo Road.
Directions from Junction J23 of the M6 (Haydock) Head West (towards Liverpool) on the East Lancs Road A580 for 3.6 miles. Take a right A571 Carr Mill Road for nearly two miles. At the mini roundabout take a left B5205 Rainford Road. Turn right at Red Cat Lane. Turn left at Pimbo Road.