Council grow-your-own plan takes root
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MORAY Council is looking to free up public spaces to allow locals to grow their own food.
A series of public drop-in events are planned for Buckie, Forres and Elgin to gauge interest and support for a new Moray Food Growing Strategy – part of which will make land available for growing fruit and vegetables.
The council is now running an eight-week consultation on the strategy, which started on October 1.
A spokesman said: "The draft Moray Food Growing Strategy aims to ensure there are more opportunities for people who would like to grow their own food to do so.
"A variety of different community food growing spaces have been identified in towns and villages across Moray.
"In developing the food growing strategy, the council is committed to delivering the wider benefits associated with food growing."
The aims of the strategy are to improve health and wellbeing; promote opportunities for social interaction; encourage sustainability; promote skills development and education; and create opportunities for economic development.
A short questionnaire has been developed to gather opinion.
The consultation events will be held at the Fishermen’s Hall, in Buckie, on November 1, including a free community lunch from noon to 2pm; Forres Town Hall, Lesser Hall, on November 16, which will include an exhibition, family-friendly activities and apple pressing, from 10am-2pm; and The Inkwell, in Elgin, on November 21, from 4-7pm, which will include an exhibition with family-friendly fun.
Paper copies of the strategy are available to view at all council access points and libraries. Comments can be made via the questionnaire, by emailing localdevelopmentplan@moray.gov.uk, or in writing to Strategic Planning and Development, Council Offices, High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BX.
Visit www.moray.gov.uk/foodgrowing for more information.
