Welcome to the Growing Community Toolkit!
The Growing Community Toolkit is a free resource for community groups and volunteers in East Sussex. It’s created by community volunteers to provide all the accurate and practical information needed to set up and run a community group or community garden. You’ll find everything from finding insurance through to how to grow carrots!
We’ve organised the Toolkit into 12 subject areas, or ‘modules’, to make it easier to find what you’re looking for. You can also use the search tool in the menu bar above. The Toolkit is aimed at groups working outdoors, in public spaces and community gardens (although everyone is welcome) and is supported by a year-long series of live events and workshops. Please take a long at our News and Events page to find out more and join our mailing list to be notified of new content and events.
Our thanks to the Sussex Community Development Association for funding this project.
Setting up and running a community group
Key information to get you started. Module covers: legal structures for community groups; policies and procedures; fundraising; further advice and support.
Mental health friendly communities
Mental health friendly communities is a project led by Recovery Partners to support the challenges and issues around mental health and community work.
Finding, understanding and protecting your space (in development)
This module will be developed over autumn 2024 – winter 2025 with a workshop planned for early 2025. To find out more please visit the module.
Looking after your space (in development)
This module will cover how to look after your space: keeping your site and volunteers safe; making sure tasks get done; daily, monthly and yearly planning; how to run a workshop or session.
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Local networks - sharing and collaborating with others (in development)
This section will includes information on who does what in East Sussex, and how to find the best organisation to answer your questions.
Plant profiles (in development)
This module will include Dan’s favourite plants for local conditions and requirements. The content is in development.
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Biodiversity - helping wildlife in public spaces (coming soon)
Water and watering
Module covers: collecting and storing rainwater; planning ahead for water use; top tips for watering wisely; reducing watering needs; using mains water wisely.
Growing vegetables and herbs in community spaces (in development)
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Fruit trees and community orchards (in development)
To be developed in conjunction with one or more workshops on fruit tree planning, planting and establishment. Workshops are planned for early winter/spring 2025.
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Tree planting and tree care (in development)
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Tools and equipment (in development)
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