Page 6 - ROTO Magazine Winter 2022.pub

Rotary Magazine for District 1210

Rotary project lands significant investment

Walsall Saddlers Rotary were delighted when one
of its projects landed a major investment of
£25,000. Green Rivers Community Association is
situated in a deprived area of north Walsall has
been running for many years providing a safe
haven for local children after school and in the
holidays. Several years ago, Walsall Saddlers
adopted the project which is run entirely by
volunteer effort with no council support.
Rotarians volunteered their time to help with the
ground maintenance and funded the purchase of a
‘sit on’ lawnmower to keep the large expanses of
grass in order.

Rotarian Ian Johnstone, a keen environmentalist, proposed the creation of an allotment to teach the
youngsters and their families the value of growing their own produce and the enjoyment to be derived
from this outdoor activity. With the help of a Rotary Foundation District Grant, equipment, plants,
seeds and tubers were purchased and the task of constructing raised beds and compost bins began.
All waste vegetation is put into three large
compost bins and to this is added large quantities
of shredded cardboard sourced from local retail
outlets and donations. Cardboard is added
because as it breaks down into carbon to improve
the carbon to nitrogen nutrient balance in the
compost and it helps maintain a proper moisture
level. Once the compost is ready it is added to the
soil in the raised beds. The compost represents
around three to four tonnes a year of materials
saved from landfill.
In addition to the vegetable crops a variety of

flowers are planted alongside to attract insects
and increase pollination. As well as attracting
bees during the daytime hours there are also
flowers which attract night time pollinators.

Vegetables grown include carrots, leeks, lettuce,
potatoes (two crops), green beans, pak choi, beef
tomatoes and spring onions. The produce is given
to local families through a food bank run by one
of the volunteers.

6 ROTO WINTER 2022