Grow Shetland

Supporting growing in the community

As reported last year, Grow Shetland (a 3 year Project from 2021-24), has been developed to support the Shetland community to grow more of its own fruit and vegetables, increase access to affordable food and encourage healthy eating. The project is funded by Shetland Islands Council’s Coastal Communities Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Shetland Charitable Trust, and is managed by Transition Turriefied. Grow Shetland works with individuals, groups, communities or schools.

2022-23 saw Grow Shetland continue to support communities and individuals with: help in sowing seeds; crop care; grant applications; training plans; lesson packs for schools; hosting a 4th year business studies trip; and taking part in climate change week. Transition Turriefield have worked with 11 schools in this time period. In addition 16 online workshops have been run with 70 people in attendance.

Transition Turriefield collaborated with local schools to develop a ‘Growing Food in Schools’ teaching resource, to help more schools grow food and support pupils’ learning. This was sent to schools in summer 2023.

So far, the project has reported increased growing in most schools; increased staff interest and confidence in growing; produce being used in school lunches; crops being sent home with pupils; and increased parental involvement.

Grow Shetland links with all Shetland Partnership priorities. Partnership working between public agencies and communities is helping to deliver improved outcomes for people across the isles. ‘Grow Shetland’ looks at innovative solutions to the issues people face; environmental sustainability; and minimising outgoings. It is hoped that this project will result in less foodbank usage, children living in low income families and more people who feel part of their community.