About Us

Sandwell may not be the first place you would look if you are thinking about food growing or farming. However, think again!

Sandwell has a wide range of exciting opportunities for schools, community groups, and residents to learn more about food and farming at first hand.

• Over 1600 allotment plots across Sandwell growing a range of fresh fruit and vegetables, with active links to schools and community groups
• A working Dairy Farm, Forge Mill Farm milking over 100 cows twice daily
• A model Victorian Working Farm and Walled Garden, Sandwell Park Farm
• Ideal for All's Salop Drive Market Garden, Oldbury, a community garden providing fresh vegetables to over 70 households, and Malthouse Garden a third acre therapeutic garden
• Many schools involved in food growing projects within their own grounds
• Farm links can be arranged via YOFF rural hub to Worcestershire and Herefordshire farms within easy reach

Many of these venues provide a great opportunity for schools and others to visit local sites, (some offering education programmes) and get involved in learning more about food production, healthy eating, gardening and growing at first hand. However, raising awareness of food and farming also supports Healthy Schools, Sustainable Schools and develops ECM work in school.

This website will provide you with;

• An overview of what is available within Sandwell if you are interested in growing food and farming
• Specific projects and events that schools can make to food and farming in Sandwell
• Links available in your local area
• Useful contact links within the borough to get you started and give you more support in the areas of food growing, healthy eating, sustainable and healthy schools and other food related topics

In July 2008 an innovative draft strategy was launched by Sandwell Joint Partnership between the PCT and Sandwell MBC. 'Growing Healthy Communities; a community agriculture strategy for Sandwell 2009-12' sets out a people centred vision for an expanded network of food growing activities across the borough.