The Incredible Edible project aims to bring people together through actions around local food, helping to change behaviour towards the environment and to build a kinder and more resilient world. See the story of how it all started in Todmorden, Yorkshire.
Sustainable Wallingford started our local Incredible project in 2019, adding to the hundreds of others round the world. The County Council kindly allos us to use plots outside Wallingford and Benson Libraries and we hope you have seen them.
At Wallingford we have a small plot using raised beds, and grow mostly from seed. A team who take turns to keep the plants happy and watered during dry spells
We chat to passing visitors who are always interested in our rotating vegetation. We have some themed open Saturdays welcoming people of all ages with games, crafts, and vegetables which may be unfamiliar. Recipes from the Library also available!
At Benson, we have a much larger plot and can grow a wider variety, with fruit trees and growing experiments. It seems to be sunny in all directions and most things grow happily
The strawberries and gooseberries produced plenty in June, with raspberries, cherries, salads and currants In July. Beans, tomatoes and courgettes are coming along and need gentle training and watering when it’s sunny.
In summer 2024 we are offering Stay Active gardening sessions. We invite seniors and slightly less able-bodied people to join us for a little gentle outdoor exercise, keeping the beds looking good, making signs, picking some produce, and socialising. This helps anyone isolated and newcomers to the area to join in, establishing friendships and connections, and learning about food and where it comes from. Drinks and good advice provided, with shelter in the Library and ample parking. As well as being fun and sociable, gardening is a good way for older adults to increase their physical activity consistently, helping prevent severe medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
Produce is flourishing, do pause to help yourself from the beds or already picked. It’s for everyone to share and enjoy good fresh produce with no pesticides, but make sure you don’t pick before it’s ready.
We hope that we can continue to involve more people to help them meet others and take gentle fresh air exercise, as well as helping themselves to produce and learning how to grow it.
The aim is not just to grow edible plants for people to help themselves to as they pass by; plants such as raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, various herbs, carrots, spring onions, leafy greens, and beans. Just as important is to to raise interest in growing food and where it comes from, and of course to work with and enhance the Libraries.
When you visit, you will notice when things are ripe or ready to pick. Take a few, leaving some for other people to enjoy of course. Do please also give us a hand with a little light weeding or watering, as “If you eat, you’re in”. Look out for news of regular sessions to weed and chat.