all will be cultivated this season

All is good considering the circumstances and lots achieved, problems identified and preparations are well under way for the new community structure and setting up as a viable market garden in its own two feet.

The old Communigrow plot is under control and will be sown or planted this month. I had expected it to be much harder to get the weeds under control. There are several beds on the new area, token beds of beans, peas, onions, carrots and beetroot along with large areas of green manures and cover crops, there are many more beds to come (80 in all) and all will be cultivated this season, which is impressive with only mine and Betsy's donations (no funding at all) and only my own labour. Needless to say I am much fitter now!

We are forging links with the local box scheme in Maidstone and in Greenwich to supply seasonal vegetables. I have many plans for the craft and the added value produce, bees, a stil etc. I do not believe there are many, if any, issues on the exclusions with East Malling Research.

I have yet to commence the community building, people are often keen to talk about the ideas but less keen to get their hands dirty. I put this down to the fact that we lack our clear and open structure for people to understand, take on board and to be involved in forming. We have the idea of a short term 'Voluntary Unincorporated Association' as a vehicle to progress on this front. It is vital to me to have people to work with. There is so much potential. The 'Bencom' and CSA would follow from that core group.

The issues highlighted by Plunkett Foundation and their support under Making Local Food Work  are important factors that make future viability feasible at the site.