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WCFP also known as “the hill garden” is located on Whitehawk hill overlooking beautiful sea views. Just over a mile away from the bustling city of Brighton the garden is a unique green oasis. Many people comment on feeling as if they are far from the hectic feel of  the city..The garden is a peaceful haven for both people and wildlife.

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​History

The Whitehawk Community Food Project was founded in 1996 as a local response to the Rio Earth Summit one of the worlds biggest environmental conferences.

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With  support from the National lottery and Brighton council enthusiastic WCFP volunteers took on an acre of abandoned bramble infested waste land.

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The initial aims back then were to engage the local community in growing food organically and sustainably to help feed low income families at a local community kitchen and to foster biodiversity of the local environment.

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​Over the last 26 years WCFP has evolved into a  well established thriving community allotment garden. The garden not only feeds peoples bodies with nutrient dense organic food it also nourishes the mind and the soul.

The one acre site on Whitehawk Hill has been a treasured community asset since its inception and has helped hundreds of local residents gain access to organic fresh local food.

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Food growing and composting

We grow lots of different and unusual organic vegetables, fruits and herbs. There are outside beds and two polytunnels with annual and perennial plants, fruit orchards and wild edible plants.

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Volunteers have the opportunity to learn how to grow regeneratively, organically and sustainably.

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 Volunteers can gain a "plot to plate" connection with their food by helping to grow and harvest the produce as well as taking part in communal cooking and eating sessions. We donate some produce to food banks and community kitchens. We aim to help reduce food poverty, social isolation and promote healthy eating.

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Many volunteers have learnt new skills that have improved their access to employment and further education.

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We love making high quality compost from the garden's green waste  as well as food waste which we pick up from local  community kitchens and food banks.

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Medicinal herb garden

We have recently designed a medicinal herb garden with a wide range of herbs. Volunteers can help maintain the garden. We harvest the herbs and together make teas tinctures and balms to support wellbeing.

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Wildlife & pollinator garden

During the current climate where pollinators are declining at an alarming rate we recognise the huge importance of promoting biodiversity. We believe in sharing the garden with the local wildlife by growing lots of wildlife friendly plants and creating habitats. We have a garden specifically for pollinators and wildlife. We welcome people to come to the garden for inspiration and to get advice and support on how to create their own spaces for wildlife. We are keen to encourage more much needed "Wildlife corridors." 

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Chickens and Bees

We have around 20 chickens in a large coop  which many adults and children really enjoy coming to visit or learn to look after. They can be very entertaining and are always coming over to see what the latest treat we have for them is. We get plenty of lovely fresh eggs.

We have bee hives and a few spare bee suits for any volunteers who are interested in taking part in a bee hive inspection which happen regularly in the warmer months. The honey has been absolutely delicious!

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Heritage arts and crafts

We have a big multipurpose workshop space which has workbenches and tools for groups to do a multitude of activities. Some of the activities we do are natural dyeing, mixed media painting, drawing, carving, processing natural fibre (flax and nettles), woodwork, medicinal herb preparations, pottery, bushcraft, puppet making, storytelling with shadow puppets..

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 Community engagement workshops and events

We have a cosy cabin and a Mongolian yurt which are used as indoor spaces for educational workshops, nature based children's groups and activities. therapeutic groups such as meditation music yoga and regular community events, These spaces are also available to hire out to local groups for meetings or gatherings.

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Local primary schools have visited us to learn about horticulture and attend garden eco sessions.

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Special needs education providers and local mental health services have particularly appreciated our calm and welcoming drop-in sessions.

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There is a covered kitchen and large seating area to enjoy tea share food and shelter from the elements. An oil drum bbq and picnic areas, communal fire pit, a compost loo and children's play area. 

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Supported by a wonderful group of volunteers and additionally supported by funding from organisations such as the Sussex Community Foundation, the East Brighton Trust, Due East, Brighton and Hove Council and Infinity Foods,

 

Recently we have held various group social and educational activities in collaboration with Chomp and Brighton and Hove Organic Gardening Group, as well as hosting visits from schools and colleges.

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