A GARDEN in Reading has received some Hollywood attention.
It’s located in Reading College, and is used by the students there.
Becky Duncan from the school said: “The area was quite neglected during covid, but today it’s getting new wheelchair access for an existing poly tunnel, new raised beds, and fruit trees.”
Students had been cultivating food already in the garden, but with these improvements, they will now be able to grow enough produce to donate to Reading food banks.
Elle Stear, is a teacher of Learners with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities at the college.
She said: “This is such a fantastic space, but we needed help to get it into shape.
“I contacted Freely Fruity and they have pulled out all the stops.
They’ve donated the timber, the plants, the compost, and their time.
“Their work today will make it easier for our students to access and work in the garden.
“It’s amazing to see all these people here today, willing to give up their time for free.”
Volunteers not only from Freely Fruity, but also from Virgin Media, and from O2, are busy laying slabs, turning over the soil, planting, and installing six raised beds, and one raised planter that’s 17 metres by two.
They have all been given sufficient space around them to allow easy access for wheelchairs, and are designed to make gardening easier.
“Our students are excited about the improvements, and pleased that they will be helping others through their work.
“At the same time they are gaining work experience and learning employability skills,” explained Ms Stear.
Also in the garden was a Hollywood star.
Winston Ellis, (The Dark Night, Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, and At World’s End) took a spade and helped out.
He said:” I’m here today because of Feely Fruity.
“I was a judge at the BBC Make A Difference Awards, and when I heard what they were doing, I thought, ‘what an amazing charity!’.
But the project also has personal resonances for Winston.
He grew up in Reading, and actually attended Reading College.
“When I was a kid in the town, we’d jump on our bikes and go scrumping apples off trees.
“You just don’t see that any more.
“I don’t want my grand kids to think apples grow in supermarkets.
“Freely Fruity are doing incredible things.
“I’m humbled and honoured to be involved in a project that is about giving something back.”
The charity was founded by three friends in 2020.
Their mission is to plant more fruit for people to enjoy in local communities for free, and to reduce their carbon footprint as they do so.
Founders Ryan, James and Matt worked all day on Saturday loading compost and timber, before arriving for a full day of volunteering at the college.
They began Freely Fruity with a site in Sindlesham.
“We produced two and a half tons of food during covid,” says Ryan.
They continue to farm the two acre, organic site, with its netted enclosures, a 60ft poly tunnel and several raised beds.
There’s also a fruit tree nursery whose trees are destined to be planted in various local community projects.
All food grown on site is donated to local food banks and other charities.
“It’s about planting in community gardens and spaces, and producing food,” says Ryan.
“But it’s also about education.
“We want to help people learn about growing.
“We get involved in projects at schools, care homes, anywhere that people can cultivate.”
The three friends weren’t gardening experts when they began, though.
They all have full time jobs in other fields, and did a lot of their own research and learning.
“Anyone can do this,” says Ryan.
“I love it, just look at how many people are involved today.
“There’s the BBC filming, a Hollywood actor, and lots of volunteers on board.
“It can feel like a selfish world at times, but there are lots of good people out there willing to help.
“I’m really proud to be part of something that’s making a difference.”
The Reading College garden will give in many different ways, providing free food, reducing carbon emissions, and providing education for students.
For more information about Freely Fruity visit: freelyfruity.org
