High Peak CVS intends to catch up with one of our groups in a regular, new series called ‘Spotlight on…’ We hope to discover more about the outstanding voluntary work that’s happening across Derbyshire’s High Peak.
To launch this new series, we spoke to Incredible Edible New Mills.
- WHAT DOES YOUR GROUP DO?
Incredible Edible New Mills is about community – building relationships through growing and sharing.
We involve people in the development of community gardening spaces; planting food for each other and sustaining vital pollinators.
We have been operating in the town for over ten years and continue to support four open, shared growing spaces across New Mills but we welcome gardeners and supporters from any locality.
The site we have been working at longest is Torr Top Car Park. We also grow on land belonging to St George’s Church, manage the pollinator garden at Spring Bank Arts’ Centre, and the troughs in Rock Mill courtyard.
Anyone interested is welcome to join us – whether regularly, occasionally, or simply to learn more. We have worked with local schools, Beaver and Rainbow groups and recently begun providing Team Day activities for a local business.
No particular gardening ability or knowledge is required, and we aim to make activities accessible to people with mobility constraints.
Regular attendance is not required – social connection is prioritised over gardening success.
- WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE FUTURE?
Our focus for the next year is to grow our reach and make it easier for more people to get involved.
We’re improving signage across our sites so more people feel confident picking and using the food we grow, and we’re looking to build a stronger social media presence to share what’s happening and how to take part.
A dream is to see more small groups growing food in community spaces around New Mills. – supported by local volunteers and shaped by the people who use them.
We’re always keen to welcome new people, whether that’s helping regularly, supporting occasionally, or bringing new ideas.
- HOW HAS HIGH PEAK CVS ASSISTED YOUR GROUP?
High Peak CVS has been a valuable source of support as we’ve developed as a group.
They’ve helped us with governance, policies and practical guidance around things like banking and insurance.
We’ve also benefited from their funding support, including grants that have enabled us to improve our sites and run community activities.
Their Time Swap and volunteer connections have helped bring new people into the group, which has been really important for us.
Just as valuable has been the wider support – networking opportunities, training, and regular updates on funding and local activity – which helps us feel connected and confident in how we grow as a group.
Initially, HPCVS provided examples of the policy documents needed in order to become a constituted group and have offered us advise about opening, and changing, bank accounts plus levels of insurance to consider.
Some of us have attended useful networking events and made use of relevant training events.
The regular funders’ newsletter has been invaluable.
We particularly appreciate the relationships that have developed enabling us to feel known and also to trust the support and guidance about local funding opportunities and presentation of applications.
- HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED?
The easiest way to get involved is simply to come along to one of our gardening sessions or events – there’s no commitment and everyone is welcome.
You can also find more via our website HERE. Or get in touch by email: incredible.edible.new.mills@gmail.com
Whether you’d like to do a bit of light gardening, meet new people, or just learn a bit more about growing, we’d love to see you.
Photo: Pictured Sue Rodrigues of Incredible Edible New Mills in the Torr Top Car Park site in New Mills.
