B-E-S-T PROJECTS
"The vision is to create a long-term sustainable level of Environment and Food security for the community through knowledge exchange participation from a network of volunteers, environmentalists, ecologists, horticulturalists, permaculturalists, agronomists and other like-minded conservationists from our Community Gardens (Barnet Community Gardens (BEST))"
BEST Community Composting
BEST Community Composting will involve the local residents composting organic waste at Barnet Community Garden regularly. Volunteers / members who sign up to the initiative will have a chance to bring their kitchen waste / garden waste (shredded) which will communally be converted into compost then used to enrich the soil in the raised beds as well as provide the members with the finished product (after 8-12 months) to be used as a potting mix for growing their own fruit / veg indoors.
Adopt A Seed/ling @ Barnet Community Garden
Participants / groups will be assigned a growing space within the raised bed, which they will adopt annually and grow fruit / veg as well as share responsibilities, tools, management & the harvest from the entire community garden with other members.
Barnet Community Garden (BEST)
An urban permaculture community garden which demonstrates, promotes, educates, celebrates and advocates for environmental and economic sustainability through gardening.
Lets Grow Organic - Windowsill Herb Garden
A large percentage of Barnet residents live in a community with little access to affordable organic fresh fruits and vegetables. The windowsill herb garden project was developed to encourage garden enthusiasts to grow their own organic salad & herb mix with minimal effort and at a fraction of the price of store bought greens.
Residents living in tower blocks also have limited access to garden space but have windowsills that receive ample sunlight that creates perfect climatic conditions to sow & grow almost all year round.This green project for windowsill herb-gardening can introduce your child or yourself to gardening from the comfort of your home.
BEST will provide the seeds / seedlings for the windowsill herb garden together with a comprehensive growing guide to local community who participate in the project.
Home-Grown Organics (HGO)
The youth will play a crucial role in the initial phase by providing (through selling) a regular supply of home grown seedlings to other residents and the community through the project, Home Grown Organic (HGO). Local residents will drive this campaign through friendly competitions, social events and campaigns on organic farming and environmental issues to encourage knowledge exchange and community engagement.
To stimulate this initiative, B.E.S.T will donate a variety of seedlings / seeds, information resources, extension / consultancy services and free training to the local organic farming community and schools who register to become active members of the project. Registration to the project will facilitate and ensure traceability is monitored & maintained throughout the organic growers' life cycle.
Horticultural Value Addition on Land (HVAOL)
Lead farmers / gardeners will be recruited and trained at the demonstration farm / garden through the Horticultural Value Addition On Land Project (HVAOL) - Community Supported Agriculture. After completing the training, the lead gardeners will train their surrounding neighbours at his / her own demonstration farm / garden.
Extension officers & expert volunteers from Barnet Environment Support Team (B.E.S.T) will coordinate and oversee all the training sessions that take place on the lead farmer's demonstration plot.
