Auchmountain and Inverclyde Shed team up for gardening activities

Youngsters who attended the summer playscheme at Auchmountain Community Resource Centre learned all about planting fruit and vegetables from Shed founder Bruce Newlands. 

Earlier in the year, centre manager Annmarie Shearer and the team received funding from Inverclyde Council's Invergrow project through the UK Levelling Up fund. 

Annmarie asked Inverclyde Shed to design and install a micro-orchard and some raised planters in the courtyard to brighten up the area and to act as a learning tool for youngsters.

(Image: George Munro)
(Image: George Munro)
With help from Bruce, young people attending the playscheme earlier this month planted courgette, kale, chives, beetroot, salad, and potatoes, and scattered wildflower seeds in a planter. 

Bruce said the fun learning activity helped the young gardeners find out more about the whole growing process, and he hopes the knowledge gained will be passed on to future generations. 

He added: "Food poverty affects so many people, so it's really important that today's youngsters understand how food is grown, where it comes from, and what it tastes like when its homegrown. 

"Learning how easy it is to grow some of your own food, and finding out how fun it is being outdoors, working, and having fun with your friends are all positive signals to be sending the next generation."

(Image: George Munro)
The three-week summer playscheme at Auchmountain was run by Inverclyde Leisure and funded by Inverclyde Council. 

Youngsters enjoyed healthy cooking sessions, funded by the Food Network, and made smoothies, pizzas, and fruit boxes. 

Annmarie said learning about healthy eating and funding out more about the garden at the centre really helped young people engage with the activities. 

She added: "It's encouraged the kids to take ownership of the plants and the area. 

"They're now out every day looking after the garden. 

"All of the children have had great fun and made new friends."