Get involved in Urban Agriculture
In this age of pending peak oil and climate change impacts, many people are waking up to the wisdom of growing food within and around cities as an alternative to traditional large-scale agriculture.
This movement aims not only to ensure a community’s resilience against these challenges, but also to strengthen community relationships as people work together in initiatives such as community gardens.
Increased economic hardship, food security, and health concerns about industrial produce are all reasons why urban agriculture makes a lot of sense. On top of this, cities are most often built on places of fertile soil and readily available water, making them perfect sites for agriculture. There is no need for fertilisers, and organic waste can be used productively rather than sent into landfill.
So how can you get involved?
Wellington Community Gardens Network is host to several different Wellington Co-ops. For example, Common Ground is a garden in Island Bay that aims to “provide a space where Wellingtonians can learn about sustainable living, and how to practice examples of urban sustainability in their homes and neighbourhoods. We aim to be inclusive, accessible, relevant and welcoming, providing opportunities for people to work together and strengthen community relationships.”
Common Ground began in 2005 with just an empty field and has now grown to encompass a large garden space, fruit trees, a composting system, and a shed of shared tools. In addition to the large communal garden, there are small plots cared for by individuals.
Operation Green Thumb is a community garden initiative run by the Wellington City Council in council housing complexes, as well as in 3 public community gardens. Their website has information on how to get an individual plot, get involved as a volunteer, setup your own co-op, or just general gardening help.
So join your local initiative, or start your own!
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