News

Tool sharpening

Want those shears sharpened, or that hoe re-edged? The California Gardeners Club have very kindly opened up their annual tool-sharpening service to non-members of their club. This year’s session is on Saturday 25 March, from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon, behind the California Ratepayers Hall, Finchampstead Road, Finchampstead, Berkshire RG40 3RL (see map). The cost is a very reasonable £2 an item. They’re happy to sharpen mower blades, but please take them off the mower first!

Exciting research project

Researchers at the University of Sheffield are inviting participation in a project to estimate total own-grown fruit and vegetable production across the UK and its contribution to national food security.

They are working with allotment growers and others to determine typical yields. By providing the team with data on harvests, we can:

• contribute to the first national estimate of own-grown food production in the 21st century

• help in understanding how much allotment and garden space will be needed in the future to ensure sufficient access for the growing number of people in our cities and towns.

  For details of how to participate go to myharvest.org.uk