IN a Victorian walled garden set in the hills near Monmouth, a new community project is underway led by Catherine and Colum Pawson.

Old Lands is a Community Supported Agriculture project, part of a network of partnerships between food growers and their customers, who guarantee an income for the grower while receiving a seasonal share of the harvest each week. On 25th June between the garden and orchard will be open to the public for a tour, produce and plant sales and a chance to sign up as a member, and later this summer the garden will host a series of one-day courses by food writers, authors and gardeners.

Support has come from local networks such as Transition Monmouth, and although the first harvest is not due till July, members are already signing up. Not only do they get the benefit of fresh, affordable organic fruit and vegetables, they also gain access to the garden and orchard on volunteer days, seasonal celebrations and trainings. With that comes a degree of ownership in the project, and the growth of a community network who work, learn and celebrate together. Those who do not have access to land, funds or expertise needed to grow their own, will enjoy the garden and growing with others, without bearing the responsibility of running it themselves. 

The garden will also be used as a teaching space for visiting teachers to run courses in sustainable horticulture and other topics related to producing food in a sustainable manner. This summer being welcomed to the open day are Swansea biochar maker Ed Revill as part of a sourdough outdoor bread baking workshop with James Bridges, award-winning food-writer, journalist and broadcaster Elisabeth Luard and pioneering gardener and author Charles Dowding demonstrating No-Dig Abundance.

The estate is home to Gwent Wildlife Trust, and the garden and orchard are managed for wildlife habitats as well as for vegetable production. In a wider context the project also offers a blueprint for a more sustainable food production model, one that not only enhances the environment but by providing a regular income helps to protect the livelihood of the grower.

Supported by the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, who are working to encourage the formation of CSAs in Wales, grower Colum Pawson brings over a decade of experience in growing organic veg for community schemes. “I have first hand experience of the rewards people get from forming a connection with the food they eat and the landscape it comes from,” he says

“The chance to be outside and work with their hands can offer people great satisfaction and improvements in their self-esteem. Many people also desire the chance to eat healthily and access fresh food, something this project will support.”

Both Catherine and Colum bring long experience in establishing successful businesses in horticulture and fair trade social enterprises. Colum set up a organic market garden in Glastonbury, still successfully running since his departure for Wales. Catherine founded and continues to be a director of award-winning social enterprise Zaytoun CIC, selling fairtrade Palestinian products.