Pam Wallis & Mary Clear of Todmorden in West Yorkshire launched their “Incredible Edible†mission in March 2008. They are determined to make their town self-sufficient in staple foods. Within ten years, they want their community producing and trading their own fruit, veg, meat and dairy. This, of course, is the concept behind Transition Towns i.e. full self-sufficiency. (see www.transitionwestcliff.org.uk) Â
But Pam and Mary used a different strategy – they turned to ‘guerilla gardening.’ They planted wherever they could – and after eight months won over their local council Calderdale. They now have permission to plant 500 fruit trees around the local playing fields and are looking for plots to turn into new allotments.Â
Anyone for a spot of guerilla gardening in Essex? Perhaps your local council might even look at the Todmorton example and fund a project. Great to get the kids involved too.