Back to basics

The Hanmer Springs community is looking forward to getting back to the basics.

Hurunui District Council has agreed to set aside an area of Tarndale Park, Hanmer Springs for a community-run Food Forest with the support of the Kaiapoi Food Forest Trust (KFFT).

Earlier this year, Hanmer Springs local Graham ‘Grum’ Frith was approached by a member of the community with the idea of a food forest.

“To get the ball rolling, I went to the experts at KFFT for guidance. Once we had the community on board, we then invited them to present the idea to the Hanmer Springs Community Board (HSCB) for approval.”

In April, Grum along with other community members involved with the project attended a food forest design course run by KFFT.

All elements were carefully considered when designing the Food Forest, ensuring it was close to a water source, sunny, shielded from wind and had surrounding trees to act as a canopy for plantings below.

Once the design received the green light from Council and the HSCB, the working bees commenced.

“It’s already creating a feel-good community vibe, we have had a whole lot of cardboard, mulch, shovels and rakes donated, everyone is keen to pitch in... we recently planted some fruit trees that are now blossoming which is wonderful.”

Word is beginning to spread quickly, sparking the interest of other community groups.

“The local outdoor activity group is keen to take kids down and teach them about how to grow food sustainably which is great.”

When asked about the sustainability of the Food Forest long term, Grum had no doubt that the community will continue to reap what they sow.

“The great thing about food forests is that they don’t take a lot of maintenance and are very self-sustaining. They require little work for the benefits you receive.”

Grum said anyone is welcome to enjoy the benefits.

“This is your apple tree, and these are your strawberries, you can come down and eat them whenever you like. This is for the community.”