The development of the Green Heart has allowed space for a Community Garden in the centre of the University campus. Currently under construction, the ‘Grow with Joe’ garden promises to be an inclusive space for relaxation, exercise and education. Part funded by the Alumni Impact Fund and Willmott Dixon, the area should be finished and planted up in time for the Green Heart Festival on the 8th June 2019.

The plans for the garden include 4 raised beds for allotment style veg plots, as well as rich flowering species for pollinators. Another feature is the heritage apple espalier, which will be planted with local Worcestershire apple varieties such as ‘William Crump’, ‘Pershore Yellow’ and ‘Pitmaston Pine Apple’.

The aim of the all organic project is to encourage students and members of the community to become interested in local food production, in a relaxed and friendly environment. Production of this type not only cuts down on the plastic packaging, air miles and pesticides involved with big agriculture, but also encourages people to eat healthy, fresh fruit and vegetables for free!

The site will be looked after by the Birmingham University Conservation Volunteers, with regular events to keep the garden maintained and productive. The plot is up by the North Gate, close to the pedestrian crossing on Pritchatts Road.

Keep your eyes peeled for progress over the coming weeks!

Anyone interested in getting involved can email: bucv@guild.bham.ac.uk , or see the Conservation Volunteers Facebook group for details of events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bucv.guild/

Blog post credit to: Lawrence Weston- Co-chair of conservation volunteers at University of Birmingham