Film and discussion night – Forest Gardens – 20 August 7pm

How to enrich nature while growing food – an online gathering to bring forest gardens to Ilford and beyond

Do you want to know how to grow your own food in a low maintenance way that is environmentally friendly, encourages wildlife and biodiversity?  Transition Ilford is starting a conversation about how we can do this and make plans to create forest gardens in public places and private back gardens.  Our focus is on creating a community forest garden in Ilford – however this event is open to all, to enable forest gardens all over. 

Join us for a documentary that introduces us to the concept, followed by a discussion facilitated by Rakesh “Rootsman Rak” of Goodmayes, a Transition Ilford member and experienced international forest garden and permaculture teacher.  He will guide us through the intricacies that is forest gardening.  He says it’s not just about planting trees. More like an art, a science and spiritual journey of sorts. Of systems thinking, of returning to Nature.

Thursday 20th August 7-9pm – Film night and discussion

Design training course run by Rakesh: 4 x 4-hour sessions. 

Thursday 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th September – either 2-6pm or 6-10pm (to be decided)

Food forests are probably the pinnacle of (ecological) permaculture. Bill Mollison, its founder says that if 10% of the UK started growing food in this way, we could produce 50% of what the country needs. So, we are excited about what if we worked together to create community forest gardens? Well… the next generation starting to learn about regeneration, contributing greatly to wellbeing, making sure no one goes hungry, and weaning ourselves off our addiction to fossil fuels…and the plan is to get everyone involved, building real community life.

At the end of the film and discussion evening, we will make a plan for how we move forward with our community forest garden.  Those who want to register interest in attending the international training course can do so.  We need designers who’ve done the course and also we need willing people to help and be involved – the more the merrier.   Rakesh has been doing this all over the world, and now we are using his expertise on his home patch.  Imagine a forest and the abundance and biodiversity that it creates with ease. Never needing to be watered, ever evolving into a regenerative ecosystem.

To join the film night you must register in advance:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlceuvqj8sE9Gq0Sqoz28Zgi4ywstx2HGG.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. (You will need to have zoom installed on your laptop, mobile or tablet to attend this film night and discussion. )

We hope to see you there. And do spread the word!