The Future of the National Forest Gardening Scheme: Next steps
We have made great strides over the last few years, bringing forest gardening to many many people. It no longer feels like a niche activity, which is a great success! However, our small group of directors is finding it increasingly challenging to meet the administration needs of an independent National Forest Gardening Scheme e.g. running the website, sorting out the accounts etc. Earlier this year we dissolved the Community Interest Company and closed the bank account. The small amount of funds were given to the Permaculture Association, in line with our Articles of Association. We would like to be able to move forwards, and feel we need a fresh start to be able to focus on delivering the objectives of the NFGS.
To promote and advance Forest Gardening in the UK and beyond
To inspire communities with a fresh approach to growing and eating
To protect and enhance accessible green space
To do this in a way that improves soil health, uses resources responsibly and efficiently, and increases biodiversity.
To explore the impact of forest gardens, and how they are gardened, on well-being
To explore the potential of these spaces as outdoor classrooms
To provide a model for community action that advances Sustainable Development Goals
To contribute to wider debates around practices that support greater food sovereignty
With this in mind we have been looking for an umbrella organisation that aligns with our objectives, which could support us with their infrastructure. An organisation where the NFGS could sit as a work stream.
This year the Permaculture Association is focusing on Forest Gardening and we have tentatively approached them to explore the possibility of an 18 month trial period as one of their work streams. We would aim to retain loomio, our facebook page, and the content of the website. We would also envisage being able to continue with our story harvesting project which has been our focus for this year.
Before we take this work forwards we would appreciate the input of you, our members. We would welcome your feedback and comments on the proposal and also any alternative suggestions. Please post here.
We will also be having an open discussion meeting on zoom at 8pm for an hour on Monday 20th September. The link will be posted here.
Daniel ScharfThu 11 Aug 2022 8:35PM
I fully understand the administrative burden of even small
organsations. Very sad to see it lose any profile for NFGS but as a
very passive member I can't complain and the Permaculture Association
might have more and stronger legs.
DanthePlan
Kate Jackson ·Mon 15 Aug 2022 10:36AM
I think the more we can collaborate, the better. I also understand the strains of running small organisations. On this note, if anyone has any resources or wants to support me with a 'simple' Forest Garden toolkit for schools, I'm creating a schools programme for Wild East based on forest gardens. My email is kate@wildeast.co.uk Even just suggestions as to your top plants that should be in every school grounds would be amazing!