About Us

About the Project

Sheringham Community Small holding Project – The Patch, was born from students at Sheringham High School wanting more information about where their food came from, healthy living and dietary choices and animal welfare. Their teacher Mrs Anita Southgate, was aware that even in rural areas young people were unaware of where their food came from, what food was produced locally, how it was produced and other issues such as carbon footprint in food production. Mrs Southgate realised that there was tremendous support within the community and together with local schools there would be enough support for a project bid that had food production at its heart. In times past, Sheringham High School used a piece of land that accommodated a Rural Studies Department. It was felt that this would be used as a foundation for a new community allotment project. Following a successful bid to the Big Lottery Fund’s Local Food Programme and generous donations locally, the Sheringham Community Smallholding Project was made a reality. Formal partners for the project include Sheringham High School,Sheringham Woodfields School, Sheringham Primary School and a local charity Break.

Students, together with volunteers, have already begun on clearing and developing the land for planting. The next phase is to convert an old building into a small communal area and a meeting room. This together with raised beds and a poly tunnel will hopefully be in place by the end of the year.

Project Aim

To provide a community smallholding project benefiting intergenerational community and school groups which will deliver training opportunities, the production and supply of healthy food, build community relationships and promote healthy physical, social and mental lifestyles through active engagement.

Project Summary

This is to be a collaborative project involving community groups and individuals. Some will be involved in the planning and delivery of the project, others will benefit through involvement and receiving healthy food products through the initiative. The aim is to provide a stimulating and practical learning environment where individuals, families and community groups can:

  • participate in the process of food production from source to product by growing vegetable, fruit, herbs and rearing animals for meat and eggs.
  • take an active role in the design, planning and development of the project and benefit from healthy produce.
  • improve quality of life through ownership of the project and consequently ownership of the healthy food and lifestyle values promoted.

Healthy food produce will be supplied to local families in the catchment area which is defined as “deprived” by the local authority and which has a high incidence of obesity. This will be via vegetable boxes, egg and meat products will be available from local outlets.