During the first Covid lockdown in spring 2020 many of us had a go at growing our own fruit, veg, herbs, and flowers with various levels of success. It’s a learning curve!
Maybe you bought more than you needed of seeds, compost, pots or whatever. Or, when your seeds came up you had far more than you had room for; or when harvest-time came it all came good together. You can only eat or freeze so much of anything!
We hope to overcome these issues very simply by encouraging people to share and swap seeds, plants, produce, knowledge and even seasonal recipes.
With a nod to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development we are launching an initiative to help get the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark growing. This simple seed, plant, produce swap and share scheme is to help and encourage the community to growing it ourselves.
When regulations allow we mean to host a regular ‘swap’ table at the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor centre in Bunmahon. Local community groups will also be encouraged to host ‘swap’ events. Bring your extra tomato plants and swap them for your neighbour’s surplus lettuce!
The Copper Coast Geopark stretches from Garrarus near Fenor to Stradbally and inland to Dunhill and Kill. The Geopark is made up of varied bedrock and a multitude of different soil types all giving individual advantages and challenges to the gardener. Let’s get growing and see what we can swap in the coming months.
Keep an eye out on social media, local press and your community notice board for swap events in your area when regulations allow or join our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/145438437386588/?ref=share