The new Kingston Environment Centre will be developing a local food and growers network. We would like to involve all Kingston residents who believe that locally sourced and seasonal food not only tastes good but is also better for the environment.

The network will provide a social and fun setting for people of all ages and abilities to meet and share their knowledge and ideas about local food and its production. Whether you grow vegetables in pots on a patio, have an allotment or garden, or just a concern with the environmental impact of non-local food, we would love you to be involved.

Initial ideas include: Support group and workshops to share knowledge of fruit and vegetable growing between experienced growers and enthusiastic beginners.

Seed and seedling swaps.

Developing a community vegetable garden.

Creating a local food co-op or shop selling local produce from Kingston, South West London, Surrey and Hampshire.

Events to raise awareness around the environmental impact of food production.

If you would like to be part of this exciting new venture and have knowledge, ideas and enthusiasm to share, please join us for an exploratory meeting: on Friday 16 March 2007 from 10.30 - 12.00 at the Kingston Environment Centre, Fairfield East, Kingston, KT1 2PT (white low-rise building, beside Kingfisher Leisure Centre, accessed from Fairfield East Road) For further information email: butternut@salscha.freeserve.co.uk or call 0788 768 3656