‘Growing Together’ at Eden and Sunnylands

Carrickfergus Borough Council’s ‘Growing Together’ event included young mothers who came along with their children and were keen to learn new skills.

Participants took a tour of the allotments, enjoyed a tasting session of ‘allotment stew’, fruit scones and herbal teas and gained some practical experience planting raised beds.

The programme continued the following day with the Rainbow Playgroup from Sunnylands Community Centre.

The children planted herbs and cauliflower in a raised bed just outside the community centre and planted onion sets (small onion bulbs) in pots to take home and care for.

Alison Diver, Natural Communities outreach officer, added: “Carrickfergus Borough Council believes it is important to engage children in growing vegetables and gardening at a young age and the Rainbow Playgroup were very enthusiastic. They will look after the plants through the winter and will be able to take produce home for their families to use.”

“‘Growing Together’ is an environmental-based intergenerational project to carry out community activities in Carrickfergus Borough. The project aims to bring different generations together and actively encourages the breaking down of barriers between older and younger people.

“‘Growing Together’ promotes understanding and tolerance of other age groups, with the local community gaining from working and growing together.”