Grow Jersey wants businesses to embark on its fruit tree project

The community farming project Grow Jersey is seeking sponsorship for its lanes of fruit and nut trees.

The community smallholding already grows fresh fruit and vegetables, and gives schools and other groups access to nature.

It has 100m long pollinator patches, growing spaces for produce, and a social gardening Gather and Grow community gardening group that meets on a Tuesday, 11 am - 1 pm. 

The fruit and nut trees are beginning to bear fruit, and Grow is seeking sponsorship to ensure it can continue to provide fresh produce to, and work in the community.   

Grow Jersey is based north of St Helier

Sheena Brockie, Co-founder and designer of Grow Jersey, says local businesses play a crucial role in supporting community initiatives through sponsorship:

"With the money, we can deliver more school groups because we have more raised beds, we can grow more food because we'll have more space, so it really does work both ways. 

"There are amazing businesses in Jersey that are looking for ways to make a difference

"We planted the trees four years ago, and we knew they would take a while to establish.

"The almonds on the trees and the plums this year are incredible. 

"There is ongoing maintenance and ongoing costs, and we are not for profit. We need to find a way to connect to the community whilst also funding the work that we're doing."

Ogier has sponsored the first lane

Sponsoring a lane involves a financial commitment of £2,000, along with volunteer opportunities for staff to maintain the tree lanes with watering, weeding and mulching and to help with the wider project tasks.

They can be involved with Grow Jersey events. 

Sponsoring businesses will receive recognition for their support on social media and signage on their sponsored lane, as well as mentions in the community newsletter.

Islanders are encouraged to help at the holding and meet other gardeners

Gather and Grow meets on meets on a Tuesday, 11 am - 1 pm. 

Watering is on a Wednesday evening at 5:30 pm when there have been periods of less rain, and they are also welcome on a Saturday 2 pm - 4pm.