Everything you wanted to know about composting, but were too afraid to ask! All of your composting queries and questions will be answered at a workshop being held at The Community Farm this Saturday [June 21] from 10am to 3pm. The event will be led by the farm team’s composting guru Amanda Griffin who is a Master Composter trained by the Garden Organic – the leading organic gardening charity. Amanda has more than 20 years’ experience of home composting and nearly 10 years of permaculture practice. The workshop is suitable for home gardeners and allotment holders aged 14 and over, and will provide all you need to know about how to turn garden and kitchen waste into rich, homemade, compost. Details covered in the workshop will include types of compost bins (including ideas for making your own), wormeries, mulching, and using liquid fertilisers. There will also be a leaflet packed full of useful tips to take home. The Community Farm is a charitable project run by The Children’s Centre, so workshop organisers are requesting a donation of ?35 (payable on the day) to cover the costs of materials. To book your place call 610540 or go to The Community Farm blog at http://thecommunityfarm.wordpress.com where you will find a contact form.
Over the next few months there will be workshops on rushes with John ‘Dog’ Callister (July); wool (August); bread-making (September); and willow weaving with John ‘Dog’ Callister (October). Check the farm blog which will have more details nearer to the time of each event.
In addition to regular workshops, The Community Farm will be hosting a series of open afternoons and open days over the next few months. The first event was held last Saturday [June 14] with around 50 visitors attending. The next open afternoon will be held on June 14, and then on July 19, August 16, September 20 and October 25. The open days are on July 5 and August 30. As there is limited parking space at the farm, for these events there will be a free shuttle bus service from Kewaigue School. Chrissy Cannell, Community Farm Team Leader, said:
“The open days and open afternoons play a big part in allowing the whole community to see what we do. The Community Farm is a charitable project run by The Children’s Centre, so these events are also important to us as one of the ways we raise funds. There is no entry fee for either the open days or open afternoons, but donations are welcome from anyone who attends.”
The Community Farm is unique in the Isle of Man and provides a nurturing and educational environment, helping people grow whilst reconnecting with the countryside. It is based at Wallberry Farm on the Carnane Estate off the Old Castletown Road in Douglas.
For more information about The Community Farm go to http://www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/what-we-do/community-farm/ or contact Chrissy Cannell on 615450 or 676076 or email farm@thechildrenscentre.org.im
Photo - The Community Farm has events for all the family this summer.
