Disused scout hut is mini Eden Project

Sep 30 2008 By Edward Chadwick

A VIBRANT green oasis is set to rise from the ruins of a disused scout hut to help teach city kids how to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Green-fingered youngsters will have the chance to tend the land at what is being dubbed Shard End’s own mini Eden Project.

More than £25,000 of council funding has already been ploughed in to the project and members of an allotment association will lend a hand to get the garden ready for planting.

The scheme was the brainchild of Coun Ian Ward (Lab, Shard End) who said that the land needed to be preserved for use by young people even after the scout group had moved away.

“This land has not been used for some years and I believe that rather than let it become further neglected or sold for development, it was important to safeguard it for young people,” said Coun Ward.

“We’re trying to create something that will benefit children who live around Shard End for many years to come.

“Learning about the environment and healthy eating is something that all youngsters should have the chance to do.”

Coun Ward said work to clear the site off Chelmsley Grove had been completed and fencing was due to be erected this autumn and children from primary schools would be able to move in from the follow spring.

Residents will be given keys to the plot so they can access compost bins which will help to provide food for plants.

Dave Taylor, secretary of the Brownfield Road Allotment Committee, said: “We are delighted to work with Coun Ward and help to come up with some ideas and designs for the mini Eden Project.

“Hopefully we can pass some of our expertise on and create a new generation of young gardeners.”