Digging for victory for good health

Jul 31 2009 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

THE drive to make us all eat healthier has never been so good for business.

Just ask garden designer Richard Smith who’s Dig It projects company is growing - quite literally.

Richard, from Skelton in East Cleveland, designs and builds allotment-style gardens for schools and local communities to encourage children to grow their own and learn more about healthy eating and the environment.

He launched the business just 10 months ago, securing two lots of funding from Redcar and Cleveland Council’s Extended Services to the tune of £36,000 for the projects in schools around the borough.

And it has been such a success, he hopes more will follow next year.

Richard’s programme involves building raised beds to grow fruit, veg and herbs which, he says, encourages children to get outside and learn more about the environment.

It also includes information from the Government’s Change4Life campaign aimed at making us all fitter and healthier - growing fruit and veg, says Richard, also helps tackle issues like healthier lifestyles, obesity claims and brings families and communities closer together.

“The business provides community centres and youth groups with green growing areas,” says Richard.

“I managed to secure funding through the council for it which has helped set up 25 projects in schools and a website which links in with the curriculum.

“Healthy lifestyles are a massive subject, I’m registered with the Change4Life programme and the 5-a-day initiative.”

Growing is just the first step, he adds.

The children’s produce can be used to sell, in school meals and in cookery lessons or to save and plan for next year’s seeds.

“Whatever they want to grow, they can.

“We keep it simple initially until the children have some growing experience.”

“The feedback has been unbelievable,” adds Richard.