In the spring, one of Nourish Hub’s ex-volunteers, Claire, now working at Square Mile Farms, introduced Nourish Hub to local charity and historic green space, Chiswick House & Gardens Trust who were looking to collaborate with local community kitchens by donating produce grown in their kitchen garden. Seasonal fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers are grown by the gardening team, and they make it a priority that as much of this produce is donated as sold. More importantly, they make it their mission to reach community members who would benefit the most from this produce.
Chiswick House & Gardens is a 350-year-old historic green space in West London, open for everyone every day. Its 65 acre grounds are free to roam, thanks to a generous community of supporters, and the lovingly restored kitchen garden is managed by a team of expert gardeners and volunteers, using only organic methods.
As a charity we are 75 per cent visitor and supporter funded, so we wouldn’t exist without the people that love us. We aim to keep Chiswick House & Gardens flourishing today and for the next 350 years, so that everyone and their dog can stroll, play, learn, relax and meet here.
Chiswick House & Gardens Trust manages the 65-acre site which saw extensive restoration thanks to funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund, London Borough of Hounslow and English Heritage Trust. The lovingly restored kitchen garden is managed by their team of expert gardeners, using only organic methods across the site.
After a wonderful meeting on a sunny day in June, Chiswick House & Gardens Trust generously offered to work with Nourish Hub as one of two beneficiaries. The Chiswick House team was thrilled to hear that Nourish Hub serves the community in many ways, from providing nourishing meals on a donate as you dine basis, to their comprehensive volunteer programme, supporting pathways to work, and upskilling opportunities.
Rosie Fyles, Head of Gardens at Chiswick House & Gardens, said: “In the Chiswick House Kitchen Garden, we prioritise producing food in a way that is sustainable and environmentally friendly, and are passionate about working with local charities to ensure that half of everything we grow is donated back to our local community. We are delighted to be collaborating with Nourish Hub, knowing that the vegetables, fruit, edible flowers and herbs we lovingly grow are helping this charity with its important work, providing community meals and empowering people through education on nutrition and low-cost healthy meals.”
Andreea Rizea, Deputy Manager at Nourish Hub shared ‘Community gardens build knowledge and skills within the community, empowering individuals and families to grow their own food. They help reduce negative environmental impacts by promoting sustainable agriculture and even reduce food transportation. This relationship is extremely important to us as it increases the availability of nutritious foods, strengthens the community ties, reduces environmental hazards as well as food miles and creates a more sustainable system’
