JohnAn East Leeds gardening group run by non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) Mafwa Theatre has been highlighted in a new podcast episode from UK climate charity Carbon Copy.
The project, which has been running for around 18 months, welcomes people of all backgrounds and abilities to its dedicated space in Lincoln Green each week on a Tuesday morning.
The project’s co-ordinator, professional gardener Matilya Njau, told podcast producer Bradley Ingham that it was a lack of green space for local people, brought to the fore during the COVID pandemic, that prompted the CIC to launch this group:
“Most people who come live alone or don’t have much family here, so it’s a space where people can come and socialise. And [the session] could be the only form of contact people have in a day,” Matilya explained.
During each session, the attendees learn about plants and how to grow food, and there are also activities related to preserving and preparing food as well.
The project has been selected as one of eighteen to receive support as part of the Nature Neighbourhoods programme; a funding and capacity-building initiative from RSPB, WWF-UK and National Trust.
Programme Manager Rory Crawford of the National Trust, explained on the podcast why a hyper-local gardening group like the Lincoln Greeners was chosen: “It’s about not being super prescriptive by saying ‘we need to work with the biggest experts in urban biodiversity in this place.’ Actually, we want to work with the people who are the community experts in the place: who are the most connected to the people in that place and will create be able to support and create the opportunities be part of nature and to be involved in it.”
Podcast host Isabelle Sparrow said: “Hearing about the impact Lincoln Greeners has on participants has been so interesting, and it is wonderful to see projects like this being recognised and supported by big household names like RSPB, WWF-UK and National Trust.
“It’s clear that spending time in nature has immense value, for physical and mental health, social connection and community cohesion. I hope that by hearing this story more community groups around Leeds and beyond might consider adding gardening and growing into the mix of activities they offer.”
To hear more about Lincoln Greeners and the Nature Neighbourhoods programme, listen to All Nature: Nourishing Connections, on the Carbon Copy website or wherever you get your podcasts.
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