A DAY AT THE FARM
Community, nature and movement are three of the best tonics in life, and a day spent volunteering at GROW, our 1% for the Planet partner, combines them all. One foggy Friday in late October we shut the shop and took the whole team over for a volunteering day.
Farm manager Chris set us to work preparing a plot of land that will eventually become a bed for perennial flowers, and while we weeded away, he shared his insights into the sustainable farming practices, that make GROW an Agroecological Farm.
Agroecological farming focuses on working with natural ecosystems to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and crop resilience. Unlike conventional farming, which relies heavily on synthetic chemicals and monocultures, agroecology integrates practices like crop rotation, polycultures, cover cropping, and organic fertilisers to build a balanced, self-sustaining environment.
This harmonious way of farming was practiced by a number of indigenous and traditional cultures worldwide. A great example is ‘The Three Sisters’, sweetcorn, climbing beans and pumpkin. Native American Tribes believed these plants grew best together. The corn offering support for the climbing beans, the pumpkin leaves creating humidity for bean pollination and preventing weed growth, and the beans creating nitrogen to benefit all. Each plot at the GROW is switched out seasonally, and you’ll find a variety plants thriving together.
After deweeding, we covered the newly exposed earth with fresh manure, and GROW’s nutrient dense compost. Then it as time for lunch.
Our plates piled with organic vegetable stew straight from the farm, we sat down with the other volunteers and got chatting. All different ages and backgrounds, coming together over a shared love of nature.
GROW is open to volunteers, Wednesday through to Friday each week, while the beginning of the week is reserved for educational projects with the local school, and weekends are dedicated to families without green spaces.
The positive effects of the work GROW are doing can be seen and felt within the community and we’re so glad to have chosen them as our partner.
It’s safe to say we were all a little sore the next day, but we felt incredibly fulfilled and we look forward to returning next spring to see the fruits of our labour. Click here to learn more and see how you can get involved and support GROW.
