Swindon Growers Summit is back

All are welcome to attend Swindon Growers Summit when it returns on Sunday 28 April.

For the second year running Swindon is hosting the special gathering, whose aim is to bring together gardeners, growers and healthy eaters in a day of talks, panel discussions, demonstrations and conversations.

Taking place in the town centre Hub, the Swindon Growers Summit will welcome people from all over Swindon and beyond to get involved, to listen, learn and share.

As well as expert speakers and Q&A sessions, there will be stalls, stands and a seed swap.

Swindon Growers founder Josie Slade said that following great feedback at the first event, everyone was keen to see it back this year, and added: “Spring is the perfect time to get together, share ideas and learn about how we can make the most of our gardens and allotments” she said.

“With so many people interested in healthy eating, going organic, and homegrown, the Summit is a great chance for people to share and learn - from beginners to people who have been growing for years, we’re always learning."

The key theme of the event is growing for health - how to grow nutrient-rich foods and staying fit, active and happy. 

Keynote speaker Ben Raskin, Head of Horticulture and Agroforestry at the Soil Association, will share his experience of organic growing and how it can boost physical and mental health. 

He said: “Health and happiness are linked with the food we eat and how we grow it. 

“Community events like the Swindon Summit are really important in getting people together and helping people get started and learn more.”

Ben will be joined on a panel discussion and Q&A session by Jamie Carr, founder of Watchfield-based Blacklands Organics, Alan Holland, plant specialist and manager at Swindon’s TWIGS community gardens, and compost guru Eddie Bailey. 

Herb expert Lynda Warren will talk about how a beginner can get started growing herbs at home and in the allotment, as well as answering any specialist questions from the audience.

A highlight this year will be the compost-testing station - Eddie from Rhizophyllia welcomes people to bring your samples to go under his microscope.

Keeping in with the theme of the day, Yatesbury-based Shumei Natural Agriculture will be discussing the benefits of growing your own food, and will talk about guaranteed success in the garden, especially when overcoming blight or other garden pests.

Helping to connect Swindon’s many gardening, growing and allotment projects is a key aim of Swindon Growers, and the Summit will end with a community showcase where three local projects will talk about what they've achieved and how we can all get involved.

For more information and to buy a ticket, people can go to Eventbrite page www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/swindon-growers-summit-24-tickets-855416101587