Looking to grow? Get involved with the Land Army!
If you're keen to get out into the open, learn how to grow
produce, meet new people and help out organic farmers in Greater Manchester, why not join the ranks of The Land Army?

With regular outings to learn about and help out with sowing new plants, harvesting crops and assisting with the upkeep of farms, it's a hands on experience that's fulfilling and informative.
We are looking for capable and motivated people to volunteer with Greater Manchester's Land Army on local organic farms. Land Army is made up of volunteers, placements and trainees helping to increase the production of sustainable food for Greater Manchester.
The idea behind Land Army was inspired by the women's land armies of the First & Second World Wars, and offers a solution to a number of challenges faced by local organic growers, such as labour issues and costs at busy periods e.g. harvest time.
The changeable and unpredictable weather we've been having this summer means there's even more work than normal for growers to do at this time of year, so come and muck in!

Up and coming Land Army opportunities:
Friday 17th August - a day helping Glebelands City Growers on their organic market garden in Sale (pick up at 9am in Hulme, drop off by 4.30pm in Hulme)
Saturday 18th August - a day helping Moss Brook Growers on their 22 acre organic farm in Glazebury (pick up at 10a.m in Hulme, Drop off by 4.30 in Hulme)
Friday 24th August - a day helping Glebelands City Growers on their organic market garden in Sale (pick up at 9am in Hulme, drop off by 4.30pm in Hulme)
Wednesday 29th August - a morning helping to create a peace garden in North Reddish (pick up in Hulme at 9a.m and Drop off in Hulme by 2.00).
Friday 31st - a day working at the amazing Walled Garden in Wythenshawe Park (pick up at 9.30 a.m in Hulme, Drop off by 4.00 in Hulme)

Practicalities on the day:
A day out with the Land Army is quite a physical day's work (though we'll look after you and make sure we get proper breaks!), but it's really satisfying and a great chance to get your hands dirty, experience and learn a bit about market garden/field scale food growing from the experts, and spend the day with a like minded and interesting bunch of people like you!
We'll provide lunch and hot drinks (though if you're going to Glazebury feel free to bring your own flask if you like a lot of tea - there's no drink making facilities), and your transport from Hulme to the farm and back again.
Make sure you come prepared. Wear sturdy boots/shoes, and bring drinking water, snacks (if you like to nibble while you work!), waterproofs & sun cream/a sun hat (we can dream!)

So get these dates in your diary and get in touch - the Land Army Needs You! (and it's good fun too!)

For more information visit the Land Army pages at:
http://www.kindling.org.uk/projects/greater-manchester-land-army
http://www.feedingmanchester.org.uk/landarmy

All the farms involved in the programme are also working
alongside Manchester Veg People, a pioneering co-operative of
organic producers and buyers in Greater Manchester.