A new Community Interest Company (CIC) has recently been established in Eastby. Holme Grown Eastby has been set up with the aim of developing a growing space for the benefit of the local community, and is looking to expand its volunteer numbers.

The not-for-profit venture has been developed entirely by local residents. In just a few short months the group have achieved many successes at the site in Eastby, receiving positive feedback about the freshly harvested local produce. The group are not experts however and really value the different kinds of help already being offered, and would like to expand their volunteer base within Eastby and Embsay. Everyone is welcome to go along and join in – from digging and chatting and spending a bit of time outside in a wonderful setting – a very positive experience!

Holme Grown Eastby has three main aims in mind – Growing, Sharing and Connecting

Growing – Organic vegetables, fruit and cut flowers are grown by the community, for the community, and are available to buy. Growing is done in a sustainable way using the ‘no dig’ approach with organic principles, working with nature.

Sharing – Creating an environment where locals can participate in a range of outside activities, sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences from how to grow tomatoes, plant trees, develop a wildlife pond to repairing dry stone walls, building shelters and laying paths. This is complemented with a series of short workshops being developed called Holme Educate, for both children and adults.

Connecting – Bringing the local community together, nurturing positive relationships and connecting with nature and wildlife. Examples include working with partners to run programmes e.g. schools, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, and creating opportunities for young people e.g. Duke of Edinburgh volunteering

The 4 acre site includes: a vegetable plot, cut flower beds, soft fruit area, community orchard, new woodland area, ‘Pat’s Polytunnel’, wildlife pond and a wildlife meadow.

Images: © Thomas Edward

Holme Grown Eastby is currently open for visitors twice a week (exact dates and timings are subject to change, so please check in with their website):
Tuesday Task Force – As everything is growing at pace, there’s lots of jobs to be done down at the plot.  Please go along and lend a hand.  10am to 2pm – drinks break at 11am – pop down for a chat.
Turnout Thursday – A weekly day on the plot.  Anyone can join in and help with the jobs that need doing.  Alternatively, just come down for a catch up and chat.

The location can be found at Holme Field, behind 42-60 Barden Road, Eastby.

For more details visit the Holme Grown Eastby website at: https://holmegrowneastby.org.uk/