New site for REAP's community herb, fruit and veg planters on Elgin High Street
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PASSERS-BY who fancy a few chives for their lunchtime sandwich or a nibble on a strawberry can do just that on Elgin High Street, thanks to free edible planters provided by environmental charity REAP.
Keith-based REAP has for some years now been tending its High Street containers holding herbs, fruit and vegetables. These are free for everyone to pick and enjoy, as part of its Grow Elgin initiative.
The planters have now been moved to the east end of the Plainstones, outside Costa, after new seating was installed in the High Street area. The containers were previously situated near the Dandy Lion statue.
REAP workers Ann Davidson, Dorothy Allan and Barney Thompson helped settle the herbs and plants in their new homes last month and the planters' flowering herbs and new leafy growth are creating a buzz with both insects and passers-by.
Ann, REAP manager, said: "It’s great to re-establish this resource for everyone living in and visiting Elgin.
"These edible delights in the centre of Elgin featured in the Moray Council Food Strategy that came out two years ago, as are the community gardens and orchard spaces in Cooper Park and other community growing spaces we’ve helped set up and maintain.
"We’re proud at REAP to be part of helping raise awareness about growing local food."
Dorothy, Grow Elgin project worker, added: "All the edible herbs, fruit and lettuces and other vegetables growing in the planters are free to take away. Lots of locals make use of that service.
"I often have people coming up to me to say they use the chives in their lunchtime sandwiches, enjoy picking a strawberry in the summer or use some herbs on their pizza at teatime."
She added: "We've got a new 'traffic lights' system with red, yellow and green lollipop sticks in the planters. If you see a green one it’s fine to pick, yellow is nearly ready and red is let the plant have a wee rest for now."
REAP’s Grow Elgin aims include increasing the number of individuals, schools and community groups growing and eating local fruit and vegetables, and composting their food waste.
Inspired by Incredible Edible Todmorden, which aims to provide access to good local food for all, and other projects to grow free community food, REAP set up the planters through the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund.
The charity says that as well as tasting great, free locally-grown food helps to reduce reliance on supermarket produce, has no food miles or packaging and helps raise awareness of global issues locally.
For more information about Grow Elgin and REAP, phone 01542 888070, email info@reapscotland.org.uk or visit www.reapscotland.org.uk.
