Words by Hema Chumber
In the spring of 2020, during the Covid-19 lockdown, a group of families with young children in Erdington came together with a shared goal: to address the growing challenges their community was facing, including food shortages and the lack of accessible green spaces for children to play and learn safely.
What began as a small grassroots effort evolved into EcoGrow CIC, a community-led environmental education group that focuses on sustainability, wellbeing, and environmental stewardship.
Based at Court Lane Allotments in Erdington, with activities now also operating from sites in Moseley and Sutton Coldfield, EcoGrow CIC has expanded to offer a range of programs designed to connect people with nature and promote community engagement.
The group provides adult gardening sessions, forest school programs for children, bush-craft workshops, and art and wellbeing activities.
In addition, EcoGrow offers environmental education in schools and community groups, as well as corporate team-building events that incorporate sustainability and hands-on learning.
Naomi Gregory, Environmental Educator at EcoGrow CIC, said: “I believe that by encouraging people to get outdoors and experience the wonders of the natural world, we can better understand our connection to it.
“Once we recognise this, we’re more likely to respect and protect the world around us.”
She added: “A normalising skill like gardening and growing our own food is gaining momentum, and it’s rewarding to be part of that in the community.”
One of the group’s standout services is its forest school program, which has become increasingly popular with local families.
Paula Sheldon, a parent whose children attend the sessions, added: “We’ve had the pleasure of being part of the EcoGrow community for nearly four years, and it’s been an absolute delight.
“As a family, we’re passionate about spending time outdoors and getting our hands dirty, and EcoGrow has provided us with the perfect platform to do just that.
“The forest school sessions have been a highlight for our children, who love exploring the outdoors and getting creative with art and nature.”
She added: “The fire pit and mud play areas are always a hit, but what we appreciate most about EcoGrow is the sense of community they’ve fostered among families.
“It’s wonderful to see my children making new friends and learning valuable skills alongside us.”
One of EcoGrow’s new initiatives is the Salad Bags Project, which will run every Friday during term time from 12:30pm to 2:20pm.
People will help grow salad from seed and package it into bags for local distribution, promoting healthy eating and food security within the community.
EcoGrow will also host seasonal nature walks across various green spaces in Erdington, where people can learn about the environment, and connect with others who share an interest in nature.
Another new project is the fortnightly woodwork group, which will give community members the chance to develop practical woodworking skills, to create simple, yet useful items.
For more information about EcoGrow CIC’s services, or to get involved, please visit ecogrowcic.wixsite.com/ecogrow
To contact EcoGrow CIC email [email protected] or call 07421 329 836.
Watch out for more COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT features from Erdington Local, online and in our monthly newspaper.
If you are from a community group or an active volunteer anywhere in the Erdington constituency then we want to hear for you. Please email our Community Reporter Hema Chumber at: [email protected]
