Brighton's Big Raspberry Plant
The Food Partnership's Harvest project has offered free raspberry canes to groups that can plant them in public spaces in Brighton & Hove, where residents and passers-by can see them.
Over 200 autumn-fruiting canes will be distributed to more than 20 visible public spaces such as parks, community centres, sheltered housing schemes and housing estates.
The scheme will be launched with a short planting session at the Brighthelm Community Centre where groups can pick up their canes and watch a short lesson on how to plant them successfully.
It seems like almost every day we are contacted by more people who want to start growing their own on land in their neighbourhood. The 'big raspberry plant' is a simple and fun way to make food more visible in the city.
We can't wait to see all these raspberries taking root in communities around Brighton & Hove!
Jess Crocker, Harvest Manager at the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership
Why plant edible plants in public spaces?
Brighton & Hove Food Partnership (BHFP) know from their vegetable garden in Preston Park that making food growing more visible can inspire people to try it at home or to reconnect them with where food comes from and the value of fresh, healthy produce.
Where community members are involved in the planting or maintenance, they can learn new skills and benefit from being outdoors.
Fruit planting can also bring communities together to meet each other and improve their neighbourhood.
Harvest is keen to see more edible perennials used in planting schemes around the city, as these low-maintenance plants provide a new attraction for visitors to their parks and public spaces.
Why raspberries?
BHFP have chosen raspberries because they are attractive plants which need little maintenance but can provide a visible and plentiful harvest of soft fruit which could be picked by passer-by, as often happens with brambles.
They have particularly chosen autumn-fruiting raspberries because they do not need support structures and because of their long harvest season, ensuring the largest number of people can benefit from access to fresh, healthy fruit.
We're delighted to support this unique initiative from Harvest as Brighthelm is planning a new future as a city centre focus for sustainability. We can't think of anything better than sweet & delicious raspberries, straight from our garden!'
Sue Korman, at the Brighthelm Centre
www.harvest-bh.org.uk