Incredible Edible vegetable growing scheme wants to move into Burnley

Incredible Edible Burnley wants to cultivate dozens of spare plots of land around town to grow everything from raspberries to radishes.

Already plans are in place to plant orchards and vegetable patches at Burnley Central Library, Manchester Road Station and Central Station.

But the grass-roots organisation has a big green vision for Burnley’s future and hopes green-fingered communities will pitch in to get the whole town growing.

Robert Sutcliffe, chairman of Incredible Edible Burnley, says there are hundreds of people itching to join in producing home-grown food.

The council already has 361 people on a waiting list for 317 allotment plots on 11 sites around Burnley and Padiham and Mr Sutcliffe hopes to capitalise on this.

He said: “The allotments’ waiting list is huge. People are dying to get out and get gardening and that is why Incredible Edible has really taken off.

“We want to grow community gardens full of fruit and vegetables. We want to plant in as many places in Burnley as we can.

“We will take care of it but it is for the public to pick.

“There is so much spare land in Burnley – there’s enough spare land to keep us going for 10 years.

“This could turn into a massive thing. I can see massive swathes of the space in the town turned over for vegetable growing.”

Accent Housing and Calico have both expressed an interest in helping the project and hopes are that Burnley Council will support their vision.

Plots across town are being identified to begin installing raised beds, growing fruit and veg and plating orchards which can be used by the public.

Robert believes that the project could become as successful as the pioneering Incredible Edible scheme in neighbouring Todmorden. He said: “I think Burnley can emulate what Todmorden has achieved. The idea has spread all over the world. It is a global movement.

“It is really good for community cohesion – children and adults are talking to each other and swopping growing stories and tips.

“It is great for people getting outdoors and growing and eating fresh food. It is good for people to be active and getting out doing things.”

To join in with Incredible Edible Burnley’s big green project contact Robert on 07776233486, email [email protected] or visit www.ieburnley.co.uk