Sowing Seeds of Growth and Gratitude
At Gullivers Enterprises, part of the Sturts Community Trust in West Moors, we are delighted to share some wonderful news with our community. Thanks to the generous support of The National Grid Community Grant Programme, we have been able to make a significant addition to our Social Enterprise—a brand-new polytunnel. This grant marks a milestone in our mission to cultivate a sustainable future, both for the environment and for the people we support.
A Growing Future: What the Grant Enables
The installation of this polytunnel is more than just a physical expansion of our facilities; it represents a growth in possibilities. With this new structure, we are now positioned to increase the production of our biodynamic and organic vegetables. These high-quality, sustainably grown products not only nourish our local community but also reinforce our commitment to farming practices that are in harmony with nature.
The additional growing space means that we can extend our planting seasons, protect crops from unpredictable weather, and explore a wider variety of plants that previously weren’t possible. This will result in a greater yield of fresh, organic produce that we can offer to our customers and local markets, further strengthening our presence in the community.
Empowering People: Training Apprentice Gardeners
One of the core missions of Gullivers Enterprises is to provide meaningful work and training opportunities for individuals with varying support needs. The new poly tunnel will play a crucial role in our training programmes for apprentice gardeners. It will offer a controlled environment where our trainees can learn the intricacies of sustainable farming, from planting seeds to harvesting crops, and everything in between.
The polytunnel will also allow us to offer year-round training, which is vital for maintaining the consistency and continuity that our apprentices need to thrive. This hands-on experience is invaluable, empowering them with skills and confidence that will serve them in all areas of life.
Building Connections: Linking with Local Community Groups and Schools
Our vision for Gullivers Enterprises extends beyond our own operations. We see this polytunnel as a bridge to connect with local community groups and schools. With the additional resources provided by this grant, we are excited to develop educational programmes and workshops that engage our neighbours in the joys and benefits of biodynamic and organic farming.
Whether it’s a school group visiting to learn about where their food comes from or a local community organisation collaborating on a project, this polytunnel will be a hub for sharing knowledge, fostering connections, and strengthening our community’s commitment to sustainability.
A Heartfelt Thanks
None of this would have been possible without the generous support from The National Grid Community Grant Programme. Their investment in our Social Enterprise is not just an investment in infrastructure—it’s an investment in people, in community, and in a sustainable future.
We extend our deepest thanks to The National Grid for their belief in our vision and for helping us take this crucial step forward. With their support, we are not only growing vegetables; we are growing opportunities, knowledge, and connections that will benefit our community for years to come.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Sincerely,
The Team at Gullivers Enterprises, Sturts Community Trust