The funding for Grow Up! Has been split across three years. Here’s how we’ve spent it so far in Years one and two.
Year one
In year one we were allocated £64,000.
We used this to launch our Rural Business Network, undertake a feasibility study, engage with stakeholders and develop a programme of work. Events run through our Rural Business Network include:
• NFU Annual General Meeting – November 2022
• Rural Business Network Launch event – January 2023
• Get East Hants Green – March 2023
Year two
In year two, we were allocated £128,000.
We used this funding to run a series of events through our Rural Business Network:
• Horndean Apprenticeship Fair – May 2023
• Rural Business Network breakfast (Privett) - June 2023
• West Meon Farm Walk (Councillors and staff event) - June 2023
• Alton Sustainable Business breakfast – June 2023
• New Directions event – October 2023
• Petersfield Sustainable Business breakfast – February 2024
We also supported and funded several community and growing projects:
• Green skills courses at Sustainability Centre
• A new community composting project at Adhurst Allotment and Petersfield Community Garden
• Community tree planting and The Ancient Wisdom of Plants Intergenerational Workshop- tree planting, events and workshops at Butser Ancient Farm
• A new community garden at Dimensions Childcare (Horndean Technology College)
• Development of existing community gardening sites in Alton led by Alton Local Food Initiative
• A community garden, events and workshops in the Public Gardens led by Alton Town Council
• Planters at Alton Station Forecourt delivered in partnership with local community groups including Alton Station Adopters, Alton Local Food Initiative, Alton Climate Action Network and Cycle Alton
• A Fruit Tree in every Garden - Led by Petersfield Climate Action Network, a district-wide project
• A Fruit Tree in every Garden - Led by Whitehill & Bordon Community Trust focusing on the GU35 area
• Community Orchards at: St John’s Trust, Greatham; Grayshott Community Orchard; Lindford Parish Council
• Petersfield seed swap, workshops events held in Petersfield town centre led by Growing Together Podcast and Shine Radio
• Hedge planting at Clanfield allotments
• A school farm visit to Wilson Atkinson Farms
• A farm discovery project to teach children about farming, food and the countryside.
Year three
In Year three, we have been allocated £806,000.