Hedge planting for the Norwich CSA

16 excited and determined tree-planters arrived at our field this morning, despite the ominous clouds. We all had wrapped up warmly, but quickly shed the extra layers as we got digging. Jason- our forester- gave us all a quick demonstration of the right way to plant a tiny two-year-old tree and we set to with a will. We had 200 trees to plant in our hedge, 4 to the metre in 2 staggered rows. Jeremy brought spades for us to use, kindly lent by the Grapes Hill Community Garden. Most people arrived with thermos flasks of tea, and Adele brought delicious flapjacks to share. It is easy to see how a community will grow up around this small patch of land and the produce we will enjoy from it. I came home covered in mud and sweat, but very happy to have contributed something to the land which will soon be feeding me. And for the first time in my life, I have contributed to something that could well outlive me. That feels very satisfying.

The School Market Garden

(from Eileen:)
NCA has two farm sites in Norwich. The one at Postwick, and another in the playing fields of the Hewett School. Both sites feed into the common commercial venture, but the Hewett represents many other possibilities. There was once a time when schools had gardens ('dig for victory'!), and there was a time,( pre Jamie Olivier), when school meals were only something to laugh about. Between these two points lie opportunities for the School Project.

Thanks to the generosity and foresight of the Governors, and the time and effort put in by Toni Hassett and Tully Wakeman, the school site should begin surprising Hewett students by April. We have had a meeting with the Head of Harford Manor School (neighbours to the farm site) who is keen for us to present our case to the local Heads Cluster meeting by April.The school garden will offer fresh produce to on site caterers, provide curriculum linked opportunities to staff and students, and illustrate an alternative relationship with how food is grown, and the choices we make about that food.

It is early days yet. Just as the earth is slowly showing signs of spring warming, and tender shoots begin to appear, these ideas begin to take shape. There is support and interest from local schools, and how this project evolves will in part be influenced by those who take part in it. A 'schools' group wing of NCA, (a spin off from the 'karabirrdt' process) has been mooted and will meet after the 31st. Our ground is being tilled and is ready for planting, and growth!

Another milestone...

We're very excited to announce that our Farm Manager has been appointed. She will manage both our farm sites and comes to us from an apprenticeship with the Soil Association. I'll leave her to introduce herself more fully once she's in post.