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Garden Buddy

  • VO94549
  • Suitable for groups

Description

Would you like to share your skills and expertise with a Falkirk-based growing project? Apply now to take part in our Garden Buddies programme where you will be trained and matched with a local community growing project!

Let’s get Falkirk Growing

Become a Garden Buddy!

More and more local communities are interested in growing their own fruit and vegetables. Often, they lack confidence or the skills to do so.

We want to recruit a team of Garden Buddies to help them.

Garden Buddies would have some food-growing skills and knowledge and would be interested in sharing this with a local community garden.

Full training and support are given.

Main purpose of the role:
To help and advise a community garden to give them the best chance of success throughout the season.
For the community project to feel more confident about growing in future years.
What is in it for you?
Meet new people – fellow mentors and in the community
A chance to share your skills
Learn new skills
Access to growing and community resources and training
Support from a local network
Expenses for all travel and resources
Be part of Getting Falkirk Growing and improving skills and access to good quality local food
Helping to tackle the Climate Emergency by increasing access to quality local food

How much commitment will I need to make?
The commitment may vary. We estimate six hours a month, throughout the growing season.

What support will I receive?
All Buddies will attend an initial training programme, with the opportunity to access further training throughout the season.
Support from the Community Growing officer at the Council and the FEL staff team
Contact other Buddies through online support and a WhatsApp group
Access to resources – both physical and online and there will be a framework to guide you through the season
Expenses for all travel and any session-related costs

Organisation aims and objectives

Forth Environment Link (FEL) works with communities and partners across Forth Valley on environmental and food issues. Covering the local authority areas of Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Falkirk, FEL combines environmental education and awareness with project support through the Stirling Cycle Hub; Grow Forth, local food initiative; Forth Valley Orchards programme and the Zero Waste Communities project. FEL began in 1989 with the aim of teaching children about biodiversity and nature. In response to community need and interest, the organisation grew in both mandate and geography, expanding to include adult education and demonstration projects. 2008 Forth Valley Food Links merged with FEL, bringing an additional focus on sustainable local food production and consumption. In 2013 Stirling Cycle Hub was formed to increase awareness and participation in cycling and cycling related activities in the area.

Availability

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Evening

Restrictions

Experience required: A minimum of 2 years of food growing experience Good communication and listening skills Enjoy promoting Food Growing An ability to share knowledge and/or present advice A flexible and adaptable attitude Willingness to attend training sessions Ability to carry out basic administration tasks
Minimum age: 16

Support

Expenses paid: Yes

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