Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP has visited Holme Grown Eastby CIC, a four-acre community growing space near Skipton, to meet staff and volunteers and learn more about its work supporting the local community.
During the visit Julian met with Project Lead Abby Box, Volunteer Coordinator Issy MacDougall and a number of volunteers who were preparing vegetable beds and planting crops for the season.
Holme Grown Eastby is a community-led initiative focused on “growing, sharing and connecting”, producing fruit, vegetables and flowers for local people while promoting sustainable practices and wellbeing.
Julian was given a tour of the site, including its developing “Family Plot”, a new space designed to help local families connect with nature and food production. Julian also viewed the project’s wildflower meadow area, created with support from the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, and ended the tour by planting a tree.
Commenting Julian said, "It was great to visit Holme Grown Eastby and see first-hand the work Abby, her team and volunteers are doing. Projects like this show how local initiatives can bring people together, support wellbeing and provide access to fresh, locally grown food.
"If you’re interested in getting involved, whether by volunteering, learning new skills or supporting locally grown produce, I would strongly encourage you to contact Holme Grown Eastby and see what they do."
Holme Grown Eastby continues to welcome volunteers and visitors from across the area, with a range of activities centred on sustainable growing, environmental stewardship, and community connection.
