Do you have an appetite for helping community food growing opportunities to flourish in East Dunbartonshire?
Following a series of public engagement events in 2017 and 2018, work has been underway to develop East Dunbartonshire's draft Food Growing Strategy, in partnership with Greenspace Scotland.
The draft plan outlines the benefits of engaging in food growing activities and the Council's approach to delivering more opportunities for local communities.
You can get involved at a drop-in session or visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/food-growing-strategy-consultation-0 and have a say online between 15 April and 9 June 2019.
Drop-in sessions:
- Monday 15 April - 3.30-7pm - Twechar Healthy Living & Enterprise Centre
- Wednesday 17 April - 3.30-7pm - Lennoxtown Community Hub
- Monday 29 April - 3.30-6.45pm - Auchinairn Community Centre*
- Wednesday 15 May - 3-7pm - Hillhead Community Centre
- Thursday 23 May - 3-7pm - the Fraser Centre (please note change of venue due to European elections)
- Wednesday 5 June - 3-6.30pm - Caldwell Halls, Torrance.
You can also view the Strategy at Community Hubs and Libraries, and fill out a response form.
The Strategy identifies potential sites for allotments and other food growing provision, as well as setting out procedures to support community groups starting their own 'Grow Your Own' journey.
Councillor Susan Murray, Vice Convener of Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets, said, "We are looking forward to hearing from local communities and individuals about their views on food growing and the draft Strategy.
"The drop-in sessions will help us to progress the Draft Food Growing Strategy for East Dunbartonshire.
"I hope as many people as possible can pop in or log on to find out more about the opportunities, benefits and support for food-growing projects in East Dunbartonshire."
All comments received will be reviewed to inform the final Strategy, which is being developed in response to the statutory duties set out in the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.
The Strategy lays out a framework for realising a vision for a community growing network over the next five years, in partnership with key Council services and other organisations.
For further information e-mail communitygrowing@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or call the Sustainability Policy Team on 0300 123 4510.
* People are also being asked their views on 'Climate Ready Park' proposals involving Woodhill and Etive Parks in Bishopbriggs.
The Council, in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action, is proposing to improve these open spaces by providing above-ground surface water features to minimise localised flooding, new and improved paths, new play facilities for all ages, and increased opportunities for locals to grow their own food. These improvements will also have significant benefits for wildlife and local habitats.
You can have a say and find out more at the drop-in session on Monday 29 April (3.30-6.45pm) at Auchinairn Community Centre. For further information on Climate Ready Parks, e-mail greenspace@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or call the Greenspace and Streetscene Team on 0300 123 4510.
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