A pioneering West Somerset village scheme which is producing fresh healthy food for the local community has won a £36,000 grant from a £1 million climate emergency fund.
A spokesman said: “The scheme has got off to a flying start, with 30 volunteers producing courgettes, green beans, lettuces cabbages and broccoli, to name just a few, with the first veg boxes going out to local homes in July.”
The Good Vibe Veg project is one the many green schemes being supported by Somerset County Council’s climate emergency community fund, whose spokesman said: “Local, small-scale food growing is good for the planet and can offer a wide range of benefits for individuals and communities.”
“This innovative project, set in beautiful countryside, is already reaping the benefits of ‘low carbon miles’ local produce.”
Cllr David Hall, the council’s cabinet member for economic development, planning and community infrastructure, said: “I must congratulate everyone who has worked hard make Good Vibe Veg a success, and I am sure it will inspire others to think of ways they can do their bit to tackle the effects of climate change.”
Adam Reed, head grower and project lead, said: “It’s early days for Good Vibe Veg, but we are very proud and excited to be bringing community supported agriculture to Porlock Vale.
“With a real emphasis on ‘local food’, this model of small-scale, sustainable agriculture allows farmers and growers to make a reasonable living by growing quality, fresh, healthy food for and with their local community.”
The market garden is centred on three large beds in a three-acre field on the National Trust’s Horner Farm, run by Holly Purdey and Mark Brewer. A new polytunnel will be used to grow produce for the autumn and winter as well as bringing on seedlings next spring.
The project uses ‘no-dig’ and ‘regenerative agriculture’ methods – no dig avoids ploughing up the soil which in turn helps to keep carbon locked in, increasing soil health.
‘Regenerative agriculture’ focuses on soil health, working alongside nature and eliminating the need for chemical pesticides and fertilisers, which often have a large carbon footprint.
The project has been supported by Somerset County Council, Exmoor National Park Authority, West Somerset Forum 21 and Holly and Mark at Horner Farm who leased the field to the project, with permission from the National Trust.
The scheme’s spokesman added: “Good Vibe Veg is very grateful to Amy Willoughby from Plotgate Community Farm, near Glastonbury, for sharing her knowledge and experience as a mentor to the project.
“Thanks also go to Selworthy and Minehead Without Parish Council and the parish councils of Porlock, Wootton Courtenay and Luccombe for helping with bids for funding and for supporting the project.
“Good Vibe Veg is fully subscribed for the current season, but anyone interested in becoming a member of the veg box scheme and receiving their weekly share of the harvest in 2022 can get in touch now.”
For more information about the scheme, or to become a volunteer, email goodvibeveg.org.