GREEN-FINGERED volunteers are being sought for a new initiative to increase the availability of fruit and vegetables across Truro.

The Community Patchwork Farm CIC (Community Interest Company) initiative aims to promote health and well-being through growing food together. With support from the National Lottery Community Fund, it unites local authority-owned public spaces and gardens provided by householders for the purpose of growing fruit and veg for public consumption.

Starting on June 6, Volunteer Saturdays will see participants tackling the city’s gardens and green spaces on the first Saturday of the month. For their first outing, volunteers will meet at 10.30am at the roundabout at the end of The Leats (behind Clarks) with a focus on cleaning, weeding and planting up the beds to bring them back to life.

The sessions will be led by gardener Rob Downes, who is employed by the Community Patchwork Farm two days a week thanks to the National Lottery funding. Beginners and seasoned growers are welcome, as are gloves or hand tools, although spares are available.

Inspired by the international Incredible Edible Network - which aims to create kind, confident and connected communities through the power of food - the Community Patchwork Farm works with city organisations including Wildly Edible Truro, a community group dedicated to increasing biodiversity and creating opportunities for food growing within the city; and Truro Nourish Hub, a community kitchen sharing the art of cooking affordable, healthy and delicious meals.

CIC co-director Sarah Wetherill said: “We are offering people the opportunity to grow things – perhaps they don’t have their own space to do so, or maybe they want to garden in company. No prior gardening experience is necessary, and whether you want to garden alone or in a group, either is fine.

“There are so many health and wellbeing benefits to gardening, in terms of being outdoors and with other people. We are really keen to hear from people who would like to take part, both from a volunteering point of view but also from anyone who would like to offer up their garden – we currently have four on our list, and would love one in a central location.”

The Community Patchwork Farm has also signed an agreement with Truro City Council to develop a currently unused corner of Victoria Gardens for community growing. A polytunnel frame will be reskinned and repurposed, and meeting facilities will be provided.

“This is a real boon for us, as it will act as a hub,” said Ms Wetherill. “We are aiming to have made good progress on the development of the site by the end of the year, including replacing the existing derelict shed, renewing the polytunnel, installing raised beds and having space for volunteers to meet for refreshments and training sessions.

“We also hope to have plans and funding in place to continue the project beyond April 2027.”

To express an interest in the project, call Rob Downes on 07521 089701 or email [email protected]