ICFN at Parklea

ICFN has enjoyed connecting with volunteers at PBO via the Horticultural Course facilitated by West College Scotland. This was a fantastic opportunity for staff, volunteers, and people who participate at PBO to learn together and build relationships.

What a great way to start 2023, with our achievement certificates, yeeha!

Connecting with volunteers on a Friday

Some of the volunteers at PBO indicated that they were at a bit of a loss during the winter months and would like to be kept busy / have tasks to do…be careful what you wish for… since then:

We developed a resource booklet – ‘Keeping busy over Winter and preparing for Spring’

Volunteers have been involved in the re design / re siting of the community growing space, to enhance and expand the space and make it more flexible and accessible for a diversity of people to get involved.

Conversations with the volunteers throughout this process, and regular updates from PBO staff has made this a very productive process. Volunteers have a real sense of ownership and are both delighted and excited about the new space.  Now nearing completion, they are bursting to get planting for Spring, watch this space…  

PBO volunteers have also assisted with:

·      Preparing and washing 150 large plant pots to be used for ICFN launch week w.c.6.4.23

·      General tidy up of the plant pot section @ PBO

·      Planting cucumbers

·      Assisting with Caledonian University research study

Forward planning, volunteers are interested in - foraging, fruit trees / orchards – how to plant, prune etc. visiting other growing spaces, learning new skills, sharing skills