Work starts on edible borders project

A series of raised beds being installed in Caldecott Park will be the first evidence of an edible gardening project that will soon be seen around the borough.

Cllr Dr Mark Williams, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for sustainable environment, joined Trevor Hoyte, Park Ranger in Caldecott Park, to start work on the raised beds, which will be used by children from the nearby Northlands Primary School.

Cllr Dr Williams said: "The new edible borders project will see a number of our communities growing fruit, vegetables and herbs in planters across the borough, for their own use and enjoyment.

"I'm very pleased that Northlands School wants to get involved with this project. The school has limited outdoor space and the children are regular visitors to Caldecott Park, so it makes sense to arrange for them to work with our gardeners on this project in the park.

"We will all be able to see how the children get on, before they take their produce back to school to prepare and eat at the end of the growing season."

The concept of public edible borders is rapidly expanding, with many people now recognising the longer term social, economic, health, well-being, environmental and community development benefits that projects around green space can bring.

Researchers at Exeter University have shown that living within a walking distance of a park has a sustained positive effect on an individual's mental well-being and makes them happier and healthier.

To find out more about the edible borders project, and to get involved, contact talkinthepark@rugby.gov.uk, or follow the parks manager on twitter at @RBCparklife.