Local Food Subgroup

Hello and welcome to MASTT's Local Food Subgroup.

This our biggest subgroup MASTT, with lots of exciting projects for you to get involved with.

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We are currently working with Colne Valley High School to develop a Community Orchard and a Veggie garden at the school. Volunteers welcome - Check the calendar of upcoming events for dates of the next work day.
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Colneucopia is a MASTT project in partnership with Green Valley Grocer, The Handmade Bakery and Edibles. The project has been successful in obtaining a grant from the Plunkett Foundation to promote local food growing, production and sales in the Colne Valley. The Colneucopia brand will be launched at the next Colne Valley Food Festival in Autumn 2011.

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 **Community Orchard **
 MASTT planted a community orchard in Slaithwaite in winter 2009/spring 2010, thanks to funding from Kirklees Council.It is located in a field in close proximity to the Rotcher picnic site. We plan to plant a variety of trees including apples, with a selection of soft fruit bushes. However it may be 2-3 years before the trees produce edible fruit but the site can still be used by MASTT for outdoor events.There are many benefits that can be achieved by planting fruit trees within a community. Not only will these trees produce wonderful fresh fruit, they will provide an area for people to relax and feel closer to nature. They can provide focal points and improve green spaces in the ‘urban jungle’ that have too readily become areas for ‘development’.Orchards were once widespread across the Birtish Isles, with each area having native varieties but now they seem to be few and far between., With supermarkets offering cheap standardised fruit imported from other countries, the interest in local fruit growing has dwindled, however the benefit to us will be the ability to pick the fruit when we choose, directly from the tree. However a select few keep the spirit alive by recognising remaining orchards by celebrating Apple Day on the 21st October. MASTT believe that everyone within the community can have access to these fruits at no cost but until the trees are matured please do not enter the site without a member of MASTT being present.If anyone is interested in becoming involved with this project please email Selina by emailing info@mastt.org.uk stating your interest