Growing for health and happiness. The health, social and environmental impacts of Master Gardeners

Transcription

1 Growing for health and happiness The health, social and environmental impacts of Master Gardeners

2 Husband and wife team are Local Food Heroes The enthusiasm of Master Gardeners, John and Sandy, have inspired local schools, households and groups in Rugby to discover the benefits of growing their own food. They are truly Local Food heroes, a title they won in John and Sandy have been involved in the organic gardening movement in Rugby for several years. Chris of Rugby Borough Council They are also central to a new community allotment project that is being developed on the Brownsover estate for some of the more socially disadvantaged in our society. You will also find them at the farmers market every month, spreading the organic message. Master Gardener Lally mentors household Lianne Reluctant to take control of her overgrown back garden because of cost and a lack of confidence, Lianne had dreams of having a food garden that was functional and productive. She has a particular interest in growing herbs for medicinal benefit. With Lally s guidance and practical help, Lianne has completely embraced gardening. Lally said: The overgrown garden was daunting and hard work, but we are always pleased to see the results at the end of the day. They said that they would probably not have tackled the garden on their own. Pro-active approach by Lincolnshire Master Gardener, Graham Graham is mentoring nine households plus a community garden and a local group. This is food growing advice for 28 people, including 12 under the age of 16. Graham is very proactive in his approach, writing articles in local newsletters and parish magazines, as well as ing everyone in his workplace to raise awareness of the free advice he offers as a Master Gardener. The newsletters he writes reach up to 5000 people a budding local celebrity gardener! Graham now advises new Master Gardeners during their Garden Organic induction. Local Food Heroes Award 5 Dec 12. L-R: MG Sandy Young, Big Lottery s Alex Boys; MG John Young. Lally s time and efforts reaped dividends as Lianne, her sister and her mum have all embraced the garden project. They have also connected with Kings Lynn Community Allotment in Norfolk, where Lally is the project leader, to expand their social community with new like-minded friends. Graham explains the role to new Master Gardeners.

3 Introduction Master Gardeners have the important and exciting role of supporting people to grow their own. They offer reasons to grow, and support with growing skills. They vary from two years growing experience to many decades. They re united by a passion to inspire people to have a go. Research conducted by Coventry University has revealed the essential health impacts of such enthusiastic volunteers, together with significant social benefits and environmental improvements. Research also shows that this positive behavioural change continues far beyond the first 12 months involvement in the programme for both volunteers and their mentored households. The innovative Master Gardener Programme began in 2009 with funding from the Big Lottery Fund s Local Food Scheme and Sheepdrove Trust, together with local government in city and rural populations. Thousands of people have now benefited from hundreds of mentors in local networks across England. Each volunteer mentor is chosen and trained by Europe s leading organic growing charity, Garden Organic. Each volunteer then has long-term support to fulfil their role. Garden Organic is now expanding the impact and scope of the Master Gardener Programme. There are unique services available to organisations with a remit to benefit their communities. This publication describes our achievements and ambition. We felt more confident because [our Master Gardener] gave us the information we needed. It helped to build up confidence and we felt good about it. Householder Contents Introduction 1 Foreword 2 Section One: The Master Gardener programme The Garden Organic approach 3 The Master Gardener networks 4 Timeline of achievement 6 Section Two: Impact of Master Gardeners Research approach 8 Health 9 Social 13 Environmental 17 Local food systems 21 Benefit your community who we help 23 The Social Return on Investment of the Master Gardener programme 26 Overview 28 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness 1

4 Foreword One of the joys of gardening is that it s a lifetime of learning. Even experienced gardeners are always refining their knowledge. And everyone can begin that lifelong process. Gardening helps us connect with food. In a highly urbanised society like Britain, food culture is now dominated by the trip to the supermarket. If it wasn t for gardening, any connection with the land would be through a car window. Gardening democratises our food system. Of course, people with large gardens can grow a large amount. But even small plots and balconies offer a chance to connect with that miraculous process of nurturing soil, seed and growing processes that we call gardening. This is why the Master Gardener Programme by Garden Organic is such a great scheme. It provides a proven, practical starting point for people to start growing food. It s a way of learning by sharing others experience. Indeed, the approach is based on the training and goodwill of people that share their food growing skills and experience. Like many people, I find this simple voluntary act really heart-warming. It illustrates one strand of gardening, its generosity. Across the country, local networks have encouraged and supported food growing by individuals, families and groups. And then, kept it going! I find this simple voluntary act really heart-warming. It illustrates one strand of gardening, its generosity. The findings reported here, from an extensive Coventry University study, show the impact the scheme has on people involved for 12 months and, importantly, the continued impact for people involved for up to 36 months. The Master Gardener programme is important for another reason. This is not one of those projects which are parachuted in onto unsuspecting communities. This is people helping others in our collective task of reinforcing things that matter in life. This is about decent food, living lightly, sharing and learning together, cascading knowledge, building confidence by doing. I m not alone in thinking that schemes like the Master Gardener Programme are important in the long process of shifting our country s post-imperial, post-industrial food culture in a more sustainable direction. This is real, hands-on food security in the making. For many years we ve been told anecdotally that gardening is good for you as well as good for the environment. What these results show is how significant the impact can be in terms of health perceptions, life satisfaction and involvement in the local community. It also highlights just how important volunteering organisations and networks are in creating stronger, more engaged communities regardless of whether this is in an inner-city borough or a rural county. Dr Moya Kneafsey, Coventry University Professor Tim Lang Centre for Food Policy, City University London President of Garden Organic 2 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness

5 SECTION 1 Master Gardener programme The Garden Organic approach The Master Gardener programme is one of a number of projects developed by Garden Organic. It has at its core the promotion and advancement of the organic growing message. With its strong emphasis on learning and sharing, the Master Gardener programme inspires participants to begin growing food in a sustainable and enjoyable way. The Master Gardener programme is valued by funding partners for its demonstrable results, delivering real behavioural change. Since its launch in 2009, the programme has moved smoothly from Lottery-funded pilot to a diverse and proven model which can be tailored to bespoke commissions. Developing the programme Garden Organic benefits communities by meeting local needs. We develop commissions with organisations to contribute to their health, social and environmental outcomes by launching and managing mentor networks. In partnership, Garden Organic designs a local Master Gardener role and recruitment plan. Our impact then combines scale and flexibility, as each mentor finds innovative ways to inspire and sustain behavioural change by the target beneficiaries. Garden Organic delivers unique services to train and pro-actively support committed volunteer Master Gardeners. Their enthusiasm and feedback drives the network. The network is supported by high profile publicity and an auditable database of achievement. In partnership, Garden Organic delivers a customised package of localised co-ordination with training with leading experts, together with bespoke resources. Each network evolves with evidence of impact for long-term sustainability. Master Gardeners have varied interests in communal gardens, schools, universities, housing estates, allotments, households, neighbours, events, composting, and public health. They promote food growing in their communities through events, talks, articles, community groups, schools and other innovative ways to bring people together. How it works Master Gardeners regularly mentor householders new to food growing, offering seasonal advice for a growing season. Master Gardeners in turn receive active support from their locally based co-ordinator. Each feeds back their hours, activities, successes and challenges. Master Gardeners develop the confidence to find and mentor new growers during Garden Organic s induction training. Regular training follows with topics based on volunteer requests, such as exotic crops and school gardening. Master Gardeners become part of a local support network with shared contact details, plus a personal action plan to begin their volunteer role. Mentored growers register with their Master Gardener for at least 12 months free growing advice. They receive tailored support by site visits, and phone, but not a gardening service. Mentored growers grow in gardens, schools, workplaces, estates, and other spaces where there is room for a potted plant or rows of vegetables. The mentored growers learn from each other when Master Gardeners bring groups together and at family events organised by Garden Organic. Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness 3

6 The Master Gardener networks Warwickshire Master Gardeners Local Food network launched in spring 2010 in partnership with Warwickshire County Council. Impact by breadth of mentored households and diversity of novel and large events and 80 volunteers. covandwarks.mastergardeners.org.uk In 2014 New partnership with Public Health Warwickshire reaching socially isolated and lonely individuals and those with mental health issues. 26 existing Master Gardeners with 20 new volunteers. Prison Master Gardeners Partnership launched in summer 2013 with the international security solutions group, G4S and Public Health at Rye Hill prison. Impact by supporting the personal development of substance-misuse prisoners by creating a shared growing space. hmpryehill.mastergardeners.org.uk Leicestershire Master Gardeners A new partnership with Leicestershire County Council to create a Master Gardener network across the county in Initially, 50 Master Gardeners to be recruited across the county and from local community growing projects. leicestershire.mastergardeners.org.uk Somerset Master Gardeners Partnership launched in spring 2013 with Incredible Edible Somerset with an independent co-ordinator. Impact across large county by linking growing spaces with growers, plus high-profile events with 20 volunteers. somerset.mastergardeners.org.uk Key Orginal Local Food network Other commissions 4 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness

7 Master Gardeners Greater London Lincolnshire Master Gardeners Partnership launched in spring 2011 with each local authority in turn, followed by county support with Public Health. Impact with council-led community gardens, healthy eating programmes, and neighbourhood growing with 73 active volunteers. lincolnshire.mastergardeners.org.uk North London Master Gardeners Local Food network launched spring 2010 in partnership with Islington Borough Council, expanding to Haringey, Hackney and Camden. Impact with support for community gardens in city centre and mentored households with 76 volunteers. northlondon.mastergardeners.org.uk Norfolk Master Gardeners Local Food network launched in autumn 2010 in partnership with Gressenhall Farm & Museum (Norfolk County Council). Impact across large rural population, especially schools and vulnerable people with 74 volunteers. norfolk.mastergardeners.org.uk In 2014 Breckland Master Gardeners New partnership in this district of Norfolk with Breckland Council to improve the wellbeing of local communities with 21 active Master Gardeners. In 2014 Camden and Islington Master Gardeners Garden Organic has been commissioned by Islington & Camden Public Health to deliver the Growing for Health project for two years. This project supports both boroughs vision to reduce health inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of the local population with 30 active Master Gardeners. Medway Master Gardeners Partnership launched in spring 2013 with A Better Medway delivering health improvement services by NHS Medway and Medway Council. Impact across densely populated space with links to healthy eating programmes and targeting deprived neighbourhoods with 33 active Master Gardeners. medway.mastergardeners.org.uk South London Master Gardeners Local Food network launched in summer 2010 in partnership with the boroughs of Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark, and fringes of those neighbouring 79 Master Gardeners involved. Impact by diversity of food growing in city centre, especially neighbours and shared spaces. southlondon.mastergardeners.org.uk Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness 5

8 Timeline of achievement April First 100 volunteers recruited and trained. Master Gardener networks launched in Warwickshire, Islington and South London. September Fourth pilot network in Norfolk launches. March Over 200 active volunteers, including launch of Garden Organic s first commissioned network in Lincolnshire. June 6,000 volunteer hours helping 1,700 people in mentored households and inspiring another 19,000 with food growing conversations. March 200 new volunteers as five enthusiastic networks expand in local impact and scope. June 8,000 volunteer hours spent mentoring 2,000 new growers and advising 22,000 more at events, including the Queen s Jubilee and London Autumn Master Gardener Programme launches with funding from the Big Lottery Fund s Local Food Scheme, Sheepdrove Trust and local partners. October Coventry University research begins to study the behavioural change of households and volunteers involved with the Master Gardener Programme for 12 months. November Master Gardeners reach more people after specialist training in seed saving and exotic vegetables. 6 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness

9 Master Gardeners January Programme extends with a development grant from Local Food and commissions for new networks in Medway, Somerset, and the G4S prison HMP Rye Hill. Spring 75% retention of volunteers since spring 2010 in seven networks across rural and urban areas. Spring Since 2010, 609 volunteers trained. 5,949 people given regular support to grow food. 26,700 volunteer hours. More than 77,000 food growing conversations with people in the wider community Shared best practice to establish the impact and recognition for the value of food growing mentors working with local initiatives to benefit diverse communities September Largest ever national conference for Master Gardeners and Master Composters at Garden Organic s Ryton Gardens near Coventry. November Master Gardener Programme wins the national Local Food Recognition Awards in the education and learning category. Summer Move from grant funding to commissioned networks. Thanks to partnerships with local and national organisations with a remit to benefit their community Expansion of mentor networks across England with cost-effective services by Garden Organic tailored to meet health, social and environmental needs. A fabulous, well funded, inspiring project that really makes a difference. Having done lots of voluntary work, I feel this project is different as the voluntary input is really recognised and rewarded as much as the end results. Thank you! Master Gardener 2 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness 7

10 SECTION 2 Impacts of Master Gardeners Research approach Garden Organic present research findings by Coventry University. The data was compared with existing national indicators when possible and includes baseline indicators to facilitate longer term evaluation. The Research Team Dr Moya Kneafsey, Coventry University Centre for Agroecology and Food Security (CAFS) CAFS aim is to conduct critical, rigorous and relevant research which will contribute to the development of agricultural and food production practices, which are economically sound, socially just and promote longterm protection of natural resources. coventry.ac.uk/cafs Team presenting findings on BBC radio. There is analysis from three rounds of research with people involved with the Master Gardener Programme for 12 months. In particular, from 2010 to 2012 in Warwickshire, Norfolk, North London, South London and Lincolnshire. For volunteer mentors, findings are based on up to 144 Master Gardener questionnaires (44% response rate by post). Plus 12 focus groups that took a detailed look. For new growers, findings are based on up to 155 household questionnaires (19% response rate by post). Together with 46 interviews after participates were purposefully sampled to explore behavioural change. There is further analysis from a fourth round of research during 2013 with people involved with the Master Gardener Programme for up to 36 months. Findings are based on up to 59 Master Gardener postal questionnaires (54% response rate) and up to 36 from households (36% return). More detail Garden Organic commissioned Coventry University to develop an evaluation strategy and tools for the Master Gardener Programme. We were looking for robust evidence on the health, social and environmental impacts of the project on mentored households and volunteer mentors. Together with impact on local food systems. Elizabeth Bos, Coventry University Applied Research Centre in Sustainable Regeneration (SURGE) SURGE aims to support communities, practitioners and decision makers to achieve lasting change for society and the economy via a holistic and evidenced based approach to regeneration. coventry.ac.uk/surge Master Gardener Programme team Thanks to training with Coventry University, Garden Organic coordinators administered parts of the data collection. The training included research ethics, interviewing, and focus group facilitation. mastergardeners.org.uk/team 8 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness

11 Health Impacts of Master Gardeners The health outcomes show both physical and mental health benefits for people that start and continue growing their own food with the support of the Master Gardener programme. The benefits to new growers are as striking as the benefits to their mentors. As well as being more active and eating better, participants report they are feeling happier, with an emphatic 84% of volunteers and 77% of mentored growers feeling more satisfied with life. 67% of mentored households are spending more time growing food, with half of those devoting 1-2 hours a week to their new activity. 14% of new growers and 19% of Master Gardeners find they are eating more fruit and vegetables as well. 77% Mentored households feel their satisfaction with life has increased since taking part in the Master Gardener programme (with 7% average increase). After up to 36 months, 65% are more satisfied. 84% Volunteers feel their satisfaction with life has increased since taking part in the Master Gardener programme for 12 months (with 10% average increase). After up to 36 months, 95% are more satisfied. 24% Households and volunteers feel their satisfaction with health has increased after 12 months involvement in the Master Gardener programme. I am a fairly experienced gardener but had lost confidence after cancer surgery. Help and encouragement from the Master Gardener Programme brought me back into full scale growing albeit far slower and with less energy! Thanks to you all. Householder Why householders feel healthier Themes from interviews with people mentored to grow food Growing more veg means more exercise and time being active, with particular reference to getting out of the house and the opportunity to get fresh air. Growing veg is a relaxing and positive activity. Some felt better able to concentrate at work after spending time gardening. The new social connections made other householders feel better. [My mentor] has encouraged me to think more about freshness and taste of fruit and veg, plus food in general. Householder From the potting bench Themes from focus groups with Master Gardeners Being outside provides a connection to nature and allows people to get fresh air and sunlight. Mental wellbeing improves when people undertake a meaningful, purposeful activity with others or individually. This contributes to people feeling better by providing a sense of achievement. Food growing is a positive, rewarding, stress relieving and relaxing activity, which forces people to slow down from busy lifestyles. Food growing provides physical exercise a free and enjoyable activity. Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness 9

12 Health Impacts of Master Gardeners Better diets Themes from focus groups with Master Gardeners By growing their own food, households have access to nutritionally healthier food because it is natural and of a higher quality compared to produce bought from supermarkets. Cooking your own grown produce is developing skills, especially in London communities. Cooking your own grown produce is becoming fashionable and trendy. Celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver have an important role. It has taken some of the stress out of life. It s something that forces me to relax. 19% Mentored householders eating more fruit & veg (4.5 average portions per day after 12 months involvement, 4.9 portions after up to 36 months*). 14% volunteers eating more fruit & veg (5.0 average portions per day after 12 months involvement, 5.3 portions after up to 36 months*). *Above the national average of 4.1 (DOH/FSA 2008/ /11) (2012) It is a very nice feeling that you can go to your garden and cut some vegetables for your meal. If you want to pick a few tomatoes for your sandwich, you can. It s just wonderful. Master Gardener Householder Otway Street gardeners grow together for better health Master Gardener, Irene, is the guiding force for a community growing group in Medway for people with health problems and difficulties with confidence and self-esteem. One of Irene s households is Julie, with husband Ivan and their children Bobby and Ollie. They got involved at the garden to improve Julie s physical health. Irene said: Julie was feeling the effects of her diet and wanted a healthier lifestyle. She told me even going down to work in the garden I am getting exercise. Now I want to eat better. I feel I am actually getting healthier. The gardeners have been sharing a harvest of tomatoes, beans, lettuce and even a few strawberries and sweetcorn cobs. They have realised they have got to be flexible and work together to get results and that people have different abilities and work at different paces. 10 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness

13 Master Gardeners Being more physically active 67% of mentored households spend more time growing food. 50% spend 1-2 hours per week growing food. 27% spend 3-4 hours growing food. Most continue similar activity after 36 months. 44% of Master Gardeners spend more time growing food. 27% spend 8 or more hours per week growing food. 33% spend 2-3 hours growing food. Most continue similar activity after 36 months. When you first start gardening, you really feel it the next day. For me, it s helped my physical fitness, but also it was just about being in the garden and in the sunshine. Householder Accessible allotment at Brunswick Healthy Living centre Master Gardener, Sue, supports people with learning disabilities and mental health problems during her weekly allotment group at the Brunswick Healthy Living Centre in Leamington Spa. An allotment group member, Darren, not only helps on the allotment with digging, weeding and planting veg, but also helps in the centre s cafe. The harvest is sold at low cost to local people who use the centre; a fantastic advertisement for the great taste of home-grown veg. Sue s input to the allotment has made huge difference to the group. They learn new skills from their Master Gardener and grow the right crops at the right times, mostly in right place! Recovery by volunteering: over 200 people now growing One of our Coventry Master Gardeners started growing as part of her recovery from post natal/ reactive depression. She now runs sessions at a church allotment project in a deprived urban area. Learning to grow my own vegetables has been an amazing journey for me personally and I m sure it keeps me well. Some of my volunteers and families that I mentor had never even seen a seed before! It thrills me to think that our little allotment project through the Master Gardener Programme can enable so many people to have a go at growing their own. The support I have had from Garden Organic has been fantastic. The training is really useful and the co-ordinators are quick to respond if there are any queries. Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness 11

14 Health Impacts of Master Gardeners Adults with physical disabilities growing with Master Gardener David Residents at the care home, Hovenden House, are now growing food at their shared growing space thanks to nearly 60 hours volunteering by David (and his popular green poloshirt). Due to his engagement of the residents, South Holland District Council in Lincolnshire awarded the home a grant to create a more disabled friendly growing environment. The grant was used to build a paved area for raised beds which can be accessed by the residents from their wheelchairs. The boxes for the raised beds were made by young adults as part of the National Citizenship Scheme. I have made bespoke gardening equipment for the disabled residents to use from their wheelchairs as many of them have physical as well as mental disabilities. I was finding it quite difficult, not working very much, it really gave me something to get my teeth into, so it was very satisfying and it gave me something positive to focus on, so I think that really did help. Householder 12 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness

15 Social Impacts of Master Gardeners The social outcomes show benefits to individuals and communities by getting involved with the Garden Organic Master Gardener Programme. Many people report many changes. For some, their involvement is life changing. Learning and sharing what they know has a remarkable effect on participants, with 94% of Master Gardeners and 84% of mentored growers increasing their knowledge of food growing. And that social contact has its own reward, with 61% of volunteers and 34% of new growers more satisfied with feeling part of their community. 34% Mentored households more satisfied with feeling part of a community after 12 months involvement with the Master Gardener Programme. 24% Increased satisfaction with personal relationships. 30% increased satisfaction with leisure activities and hobbies. 61% Volunteer mentors more satisfied with feeling part of a community after 12 months involvement with the Master Gardener Programme. 26% Increased satisfaction with personal relationships. 46% Increased satisfaction with leisure activities and hobbies. The initial interest created by my Master Gardener has given me a new interest, and also a topic of discussion with other gardeners. Householder Once I started growing vegetables, a neighbour I had never really talked to asked me how it is you grow tomatoes. Householder Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness 13

16 Social Impacts of Master Gardeners Shared harvest in deprived neighbourhood Families from the Wayfield estate in Chatham have been sharing their first year harvest after advice from Master Gardeners Liz and Kelly. Potatoes, radishes, beans and peas were on the menu as families met at the weekly gardening club throughout the school holidays. Set up in 2013 with funding from the Inspirer project the Wayfield Community Garden is used by the Sure Start children s centre and primary school on the site. Liz works with families who live in an area of considerable deprivation. One of her keenest young gardeners is a traveller boy of 8. Liz said: After coming to the gardening club his family bought some strawberry plants to tend at home. Billy brought in his first strawberry for me to try! Some of the children had never seen radishes before, or eaten peas and beans from the pod. It s definitely making a difference to them, Liz said. They are curious, so we have dug up an onion to see the roots, and they have tried raspberries off the canes. The potato harvest was recently shared with families reporting back that they had eaten them as baked potatoes, a frittata and in a salad. They are asking to make a pizza garden next year. It s given me more confidence to ask other people for help because before I would have been embarrassed about my ignorance, whereas now I think knowing that [my Master Gardener] is there and people are like that, it gives you more confidence to ask what you think are daft questions. Householder New shoots at community allotment Once home to a few fruit bushes and a lot of weeds, Hazlemere Drive community allotment in Gillingham is now thriving thanks to Master Gardener Tony. The allotment had been used as part of the Public Health project Medway Grows!, but by the end of 2012, it was looking rather unloved. Step forward Master Gardener Tony. He has been working with the allotment users during after-work sessions on Tuesday nights. Tony and the keen growers he is supporting planted tomatoes and peppers, sowed chard, winter cress, mustard, carrots, and baby leeks. They weeded mightily and even cleared some extra ground. The results are a productive allotment, happy gardeners enjoying their exercise and growing, and recently, a crop of lettuces to take home. 14 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness

17 Master Gardeners Why our volunteers bring communities together Themes from focus groups with Master Gardeners Social inclusion, where food growing is a conversation starter. Food growing is an activity which people from different cultures engage, including an association to their home country. More interaction with those in the community. Especially the development of relationships with neighbours, has led to the swapping of plants and seeds. It has brought families together, as food growing is accessible to all ages. Volunteers have developed friendships with other Master Gardeners and felt a connection to the community where they volunteer. Bridging & bonding In London especially, involvement in the Master Gardener Programme brings people together. For some, it s the lack of space for growing food. For others, the opportunity for people from the same estate to talk who hadn t spoken before. Sharing how to grow food 88% of mentored households reported an increase in their knowledge of food growing. 94% of volunteers reported an increase in their knowledge of food growing. Why households now feel part of a community Themes from interviews with people mentored to grow food More quality conversations and real, face to face contact with people around a shared interest. Where some neighbours are even supervising plants while households are away. Increasing the amount of time spent with other people as part of a community garden or growing in a communal space (flats for example). Meeting new and different people, where many householders are now in contact with people who they would have never met before. Single homeless people at new garden in Great Yarmouth Master Gardeners, Chris and Sarah, have transformed an unused space at Herring House Trust hostel to help clients develop life skills with social and learning activities. Working with the association manager, Sue, the new garden supports clients on their journey away from substance misuse and back into employment and healthy lives. Sarah said: The area looked alive after the planting. All the participants engaged in the activity! Chris said: Sue had raided the pound shop and came back with all sorts of goodies, containers, plants and compost. Some of the men started to paint the walls whilst the rest of us started planting up tomatoes, squash, aubergine, leeks, peas, beans and salad. A couple of staff members are also keen to learn basic growing skills that they can pass onto future residents enabling the garden to continue to be a source of interest and learning. Sarah and Chris visit now weekly for a mini masterclass. Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness 15

18 Social Impacts of Master Gardeners Two champions overcome odds at football pitch size space Master Garderers, Sue and Shirley, have transformed a large grassland area in a housing estate to create the Mablethorpe Community Garden. Against the odds, with a somewhat difficult community to engage with (a resident s own words), the pair has encouraged numerous families to grow on the site. This includes two children from the travelling community and local dog walkers. Older people and children working together Master Gardener, Steve, has run 40 growing sessions that bring together old and young members of the community for their mutual benefit. He played a key role in establishing the Mile Cross Intergenerational Gardening Project in autumn 2011 with children from Catton Grove Primary School, older volunteers from Age UK, and staff from Mile Cross library. As well as learning about growing food in a sustainable manner, the project helps older people enhance their social contact and sense of purpose, and provides children with mentoring and adult role models. Steve recalls, I delivered a presentation at Catton Grove School for the kids (yrs 4 and 5), teachers, and residents from sheltered housing close to the Library. There were kids present and 7 potential volunteers. From that we got a few design ideas and a list of vegetables, herbs and flowers that they d most like to grow. Community Payback has helped to dig the turf and have been wonderfully creative in bed designs. Through hard work, networking and visible success, the Master Gardeners were awarded a grant to help improve the site with a water butt, bench and various tools. Swapping knowledge, spreading ideas, and networking are huge social impacts reported by our volunteers. Rick Aron, Garden Organic Programme team 16 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness

19 Environmental Impacts of Master Gardeners The environmental outcomes show the extent of food growing and importance of wider messages. Mentored households develop the confidence to keep growing after their initial year, with 94% still growing up to 36 months after support started. Master Gardeners (66%) also grow a wider range of food since volunteering for 12 months. Environmental awareness increases as well, with 36% of householders composting more as a result of Master Gardener. Sustainability and lifestyle choice are important themes for new growers. 77% Mentored households grow more food after 12 months support from their Master Gardener. 76% Mentored households grow a wider range of food after 12 months support from their Master Gardener. 55% Master Gardeners grow more food since volunteering with Garden Organic for 12 months, and this is still increasing for 49% after up to 36 months. 94% Still grow food up to 36 months after support started. 78% Grow the same or a wider range of food up to 36 months after support started. 66% Master Gardeners grow a wider range of food since volunteering, and this is still wider for 68% after up to 36 months. Nearly half of households and a third of our volunteers would grow more food given more space. Another quarter would grow more if they had more time. Better weather and soil would help many! Most new growers and their mentors grow in their garden or patio. Many use windowsills, allotments & community gardens. Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness 17

20 Environmental Impacts of Master Gardeners How volunteers benefit the environment Themes from focus groups with Master Gardener More seasonality, where greater awareness is reducing the purchase of imported food, and therefore reducing food miles. Together with the recognition of the quality of home grown and seasonal food compared with imported. Especially apparent in our rural networks. More composting, where greater awareness is reducing waste and increasing sustainability. Especially since volunteers regularly pass on wider knowledge to households beyond food growing. Master Gardeners report that mentored adults and children are feeling more empowered to act. More discussion of organic growing techniques, where greater awareness of future generations is challenging the middle class cliché of organic. Although many households report trouble knowing when something is organic, while volunteers report some difficulties advocating organic production. More greening of unused land, where growing food in derelict spaces is seen to be productive by rural volunteers. While London volunteers feel that growing food in public areas increases biodiversity in the city and provides aesthetic benefits, together with reclaiming the land for something positive. Office workers grow food on London roof garden Master Gardener, Nat, led the Edible Terrace project in summer 2012 to transform an unused roof space of her employer s office. Over 25 workers got involved to create an attractive food-growing garden by filling the vacant terrace with growing containers made from recycled items. The assortment of materials for use as planters included wooden cable reels, large tin cans and old buckets. CSR partnership at St Saviour s community garden Master Gardener, Emma, excited the community to turn an overgrown and abandoned churchyard into a thriving community garden for the benefit of local residents. The project arose through contacts made at a Ward Partnership meeting between an anti-social behaviour team and the local church partnership. Emma then involved her employer, Partners for Improvement in Islington, to become their main corporate social responsibility project of the year. There is now a committed group of food growers. The project is expected to be self-sustaining and an asset to the whole community for years to come. The group have grown a mix of salads, herbs, vegetables and edible flowers, despite contending with urban pigeons and struggling with windy wet weather! The Edible Terrace was a runner-up in Capital Growth s Bee-friendly Urban Gardens competition. It gets people thinking about their food choices because they re growing and it gives them a wider perspective of where their food comes from, which is great when you re working with children. Master Gardener 18 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness

21 Master Gardeners Three years in the making: housing estate social Master Gardener, Pamela has improved life on her estate, the Cressingham near Brixton, and her own confidence and well-being. Having stopped work under trying circumstances, Pam had been keen to develop her food growing passion to get growing going locally. She d spent a long period leafletting, doing consultations, and setting up meetings, but with not much result. Then, having the confidence and materials following her Master Gardener induction course in June 2010, she set up a One Pot Pledge event the following Saturday on the estate. Pamela said: The gardening involved people being outdoors and actually talking to each other, sharing issues about our Tenants and Residents Association. From there, more beds were colonised. Pamela has since set up community composting and is advising the Josephine Avenue growing group with Quadrant Housing Association. Benefits from composting 36% householders now composting more. 27% compost all their garden and food waste. 25% don t compost due to lack of space, especially in London. 29% Master Gardeners now composting more. 60% compost % of their garden and food waste. Why households now compost more Themes from interviews with people mentored to grow food Concern about sustainability, where putting waste or nutrition back into the system was felt to be the right thing to do and better than putting it in landfill. Composting is economically beneficial, as composting saves money. There s more composting because households have more to compost when growing food. I mean what s the point in paying out money for fertilizer and compost when you can do it yourself for nothing. Householder Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness 19

22 Environmental Impacts of Master Gardeners My Master Gardener was encouraging me to compost things that I wouldn t have composted before, and she gave me all sorts of ideas for things to put in like cardboard. Household Self sufficiency: householder Ania talks about her support from Master Gardener, Liz, since summer 2012 What has been great for me is that having some degree of selfsustainability, even if it is small, has clarified my thinking in terms of other lifestyle choices and outlook, so something relatively small that this scheme supports has had a much larger impact on other parts of my life. Liz has been crucial in me pursuing my goal, which was to have my own fruit and veg growing. Liz has been coming over to my garden regularly and is always really enthusiastic and realistic about what I can achieve. Being a part of this scheme and knowing that I had someone there to ask for advice and help me along the way gave me the confidence to really go for it. On my own, I would have struggled knowing what was realistic in planning and also in the practicalities. It has also been great because I wanted to do everything organically and Liz is full of ideas about that and through her input. I am now getting involved with the Master Composter scheme with a wormery and a big compost bin so that I can nourish my soil. Liz adds It s been great helping Ania get started in growing her own fruit and vegetables for the first time. She has managed to transform her growing space from a patch of weeds to a productive vegetable garden, with fruit trees, bushes, flowers and climbing plants and even grown tomatoes, chillies and herbs in pots. I do believe it s had a very positive impact on her in other areas of her life. 20 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness

23 Local food system Impacts of Master Gardeners The impact on local food systems reflects buying choices in terms of spend and preferred food outlets. There is also practical discussion abut the extent of the impact that growing your own food in a wider context. Saving money and choosing to shop more selectively figure in responses from both mentors and households. 29% of supported growers and 24% of Master Gardeners report spending less on the food shop. In fact 47% of volunteers have changed where they buy food after a year s volunteering, favouring local food and organic produce, with 40% of households following suit. Since households have been growing their own food, they are more aware of taste and this is an important factor when they are considering where they purchase food. Throughout the interviews, respondents have illustrated comparisons between price, quality, availability, and the social experience of shopping at different outlets. Moya Kneafsey, Coventry University research team Looking after the pennies 29% of mentored households reported a decrease in the amount they spend on food after 12 months involvement in the Master Gardener Programme. Where 79% save money by eating home grown food and another 11% save by buying less from supermarkets or more selective shopping. For households that still spend the same on food, 60% don t grow enough of their own food and 16% feel the increase in food prices outweighs savings. 24% of volunteer mentors reported a decrease in the amount they spend on food after 12 months involvement in the Master Gardener Programme. Of these, 67% save money because they re growing more food. For Master Gardeners that spend more on food, 60% state higher prices, and 20% are buying higher quality food (eg organic). An increase in food prices is the main reason for reduced or no further savings for the majority households and volunteers for those involved in the Master Gardener Programme for up to 36 months. We ve changed shopping behaviour 40% of households have changed where they buy their food since taking part in the Master Gardener Programme. A similar proportion continues to make changes after up to 36 months. 47% of volunteer mentors have changed where they buy their food since volunteering. A similar proportion continues to make changes after up to 36 months. The main changes are buying local food / from local producers (51%), buying more organic produce (17%) and shopping at different supermarkets (13%). Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness 21

24 Local food system Impacts of Master Gardeners How households have changed their shopping habits 5.5% stated economic reasons (trying to source cheaper food) 5.5% have changed their shopping habits (are undertaking more selective shopping) 47% are buying from local outlets (including Farmers Markets) I buy seasonally now. I always used to think that if I fancied something, then I d go and buy it, whereas now I m thinking, I ll wait and have it then, and it actually tastes a bit more special. Householder 10% have changed supermarkets (mainly due to quality or price) 18% buy more organic produce 14% are buying locally produced food or seasonal food Impact on local food systems Themes from focus groups with Master Gardeners People are becoming more aware of where their food comes from and therefore more aware of their shopping habits. The long term impact is the change in attitude and behaviour. Households gain an awareness and appreciation of the taste, quality and cost of food after growing their own. People growing their own food is increasing our localised food system, with a longer term increase in local food production. When people grow their own food, from soil to plant to plate, they have a greater sense of control. If people grow their own food, they may buy less from existing organic suppliers. Some new growers are cancelling their box scheme. Should target people who are buying from supermarkets rather than those already supporting organic shops. In London especially, significant impact is unlikely since people are unable to grow enough food due to lack of space. There is reluctance to buy local food due to the perceived cost. People shop at supermarkets for cheaper food. Now I ve got used to eating organic vegetables, supermarket food just tastes as if it s made of paper. That s the main reason. Householder 22 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness

25 Benefit your community Who we help We benefit a wide range of people in a wide reaching programme. Our newest urban and rural volunteer networks include targets to support specific groups of people that interest our local partners. Master Gardeners and their supported households come from a range of backgrounds and circumstances. They are united in the positive effects of involvement. A definitive 98% of volunteers and 93% of households enjoy being part of Master Gardener. Mentored growers involve their friends (42%), household members (29%) and neighbours (8%) in their discovery. It has been overwhelmingly positive for me and my children. We garden together and love being able to have free meals from the garden. Householder Households 29% involve another member of their household in their growing. 42% involve friends. 30% are involved in a community/voluntary group. 8% involve their neighbour. Motivation and benefits 93% of households enjoy being part of the Master Gardener Programme. How households benefit from volunteer mentors Greater confidence and motivation (15%) Growing and eating own produce (16%) Advice and guidance (42%) Interaction with people with a shared interest (9%) Trying new things/new ideas (6%) Improved growing results (5%) No benefit (4%) I have not done anything yet (2%) Free seeds (1%) Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness 23

26 Benefit your community Who we help Male role models at Doddington Community Garden Three Master Gardeners, all young men, have been central to the development of a community hub around growing at this large public housing estate in Battersea. helped my offical-ness. Each child took turn poking two holes in the prepared pots and placing in the beans. Now, children and youth in this sometimes troubled area continue to benefit from Master Gardener male role models. After reclaiming and giving life to a rooftop, a gardening club is now held for up to 20 children every Saturday and some evenings. There s a regular roster of events that attract 100 residents or more with barbecues, harvest cook ups, and spring festivals. Master Gardener, Guy, said after his Jubilee Big Lunch event: I based myself on the ground surrounded by these wooden stump seats. I found it easy to encourage children and their parents came over to see what was going on. My Master Gardener t-shirt Dave, young gardener with mayor. It s a good programme and I enjoy being part of this group which enables me to be as involved as I like with help and advice always on hand. Householder How Master Gardeners benefit from volunteering Environmental contribution (1%) Growing my own food (2%) No benefit (3%) Personal benefits (4%) Greater confidence (17%) Increase in personal knowledge (29%) Meeting new people (26%) Helping others (19%) 24 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness

27 Master Gardeners 98% of Master Gardeners enjoy being part of the Master Gardener Programme. Personal goals Most Master Gardeners join us to help others grow food. Most households join us to learn how to grow their own food. Most people that join us achieve their personal goal. We don t want to just teach our Master Gardener volunteers the best way of growing a lettuce for lunch. We want to teach them how to pass this information on to others in the community, to share their passion and experience, so that everyone is learning from each other and feeling the benefits. Philip Turvil, Master Gardener Programme Manager, Native crops now grown by Bengali Women s Group North London Master Gardener, Ann, is volunteering with Bengali women during their weekly meetings to grow, sow, and learn English. Ann said: Since the growing conditions on their roof offered a great opportunity to introduce native crops of Bangladesh, I was keen to work with the ladies on planting the seeds of their homeland and growing their sense of community along with tasty, familiar veg. The Master Gardener training this spring on exotic crops was a great kick-start, especially given the challenges we ve faced in simply identifying varieties because of language differences. After all, what s lubi? We are comparing sag (aka amaranth, callalou,) grown by Mrs Patel in Bristol, whose seeds were shared at our training, alongside dugi seeds from one of the ladies. We have also sown two Bengali mustards and lubi (beans), haloon, and coriander, together with tried and tested UK vegetables. As Ann continues her work with the group, so does the mutual exchange of knowledge and experience in this little pocket of London. Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness 25

28 The Social Return on Investment of the Master Gardener programme A Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis of the Master Gardener programme was carried out by Professor Paul Courtney (at the Countryside and Community Research Institute, University of Gloucestershire) Dr Ulrich Schmutz (Garden Organic) and Elizabeth Bos (Coventry University). The study focused on the Master Gardener networks funded by Local Food in London, Warwickshire and Norfolk, as well as the Lincolnshire network, funded by Lincolnshire Public Health. The SROI analysis showed that the Master Gardener programme has benefited participants by improving physical health, mental health and wellbeing; by increasing community participation and life satisfaction and by making food more affordable. The SROI ratio calculated indicates that every 1 invested in the Master Gardener programme has generated, on average, in social, economic and environmental benefits. What it SROI? A social return can be defined as a positive outcome of a project activity for those people involved. Some social outcomes can be difficult to assess in monetary terms, but still in practice they often have to be compared with financial returns. Tools to measure social and environmental outcomes have therefore been developed and the social return on investment (SROI) method is one of these ( SROI helps organisations to understand and manage the social, environmental, and economic value of their activities. Rather than focusing on revenue or cost savings for one stakeholder, the methodology takes into account and values the full range of benefits to all those involved. SROI is outcomes focused, in other words it seeks to understand and value the most important changes of a project or programme. The main stages of the SROI evaluation are: 1. Establishing scope and identifying stakeholders. 2. Exploring and mapping the outcomes. 3. Evidencing outcomes and giving them a value. 4. Establishing impact and calculating the SROI. SROI of the Master Gardener Programme The SROI of the Master Gardener Programme used the evaluation data gathered by Coventry University. In addition, workshops and interviews with Master Gardeners and householders were held to develop the theory of change and to explore the short, medium and long term outcomes of the programme. Once the outcomes were explored and mapped, financial proxies were used to value the outcomes. For the calculation of the SROI, adjustments were also made for a number of other factors affecting the values; inflation, duration of the outcome, what would have happened anyway and what could be attributed directly to the Master Gardener programme. The adjusted values were then added up and the SROI ratio calculated: SROI ratio = Present Value of benefits Value of investment 26 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness

29 Master Gardeners The results The SROI analysis revealed that over a third of the societal return from the Master Gardener Programme was through health and wellbeing, followed closely by community and life satisfaction and food eating and buying. Compared to these three major outcomes the economic benefit value derived through skill base and employability and food recycling and composting outcomes were smaller. For more details about the SROI evaluation of the Master Gardener Programme see: Schmutz, Courtney and Bos (2014). The social return on investment of the Master Gardener programme. Garden Organic, Ryton Organic Gardens, Coventry, UK The SROI indicates that for every 1 invested in the Master Gardener programme has returned, on average, to society in the form of social, economic and environmental outcomes including health and wellbeing, community participation and training. Paul Courtney, University of Gloucestershire Total investment in the Master Gardener programme Total value of benefits produced 0.98 million 10.5 million SROI ratio 10.70: 1.00 The process of mentoring combined with the practical skills developed through training and hands-on experience, and the culture of volunteering, have together yielded significant benefits, to those directly involved and the wider community. How the benefits add up Food eating and buying (28%) Health and Wellbeing (38%) Community life and life satisfaction (30%) Other benefits (4%) Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness 27

30 Overview Impacts of Master Gardener programme Behavioural change Percentage of respondents Since joining the Master Gardener Programme Mentored Master households Gardeners Health Average life satisfaction score 10% increase for volunteers, 7% for households 77% 4 84% 4 Amount of fruit and vegetables consumed per day Average 5 portions per day for volunteers, 4.5 portions per day for households 19% 4 14% 4 Number of hours spent growing food per week 67% 4 44% 4 Social Satisfaction with feeling part of a community 34% 4 61% 4 Knowledge of food growing 88% 4 94% 4 Amount spent on food 29% 24% Changed food purchasing habits (eg buying local food) 40% 4 47% 4 Environmental Amount of food grown 77% 4 55% 4 Range of food grown 76% 4 66% 4 Amount of food or garden waste composted 36% 4 29% 4 See pages 9-12 See pages See pages Master Gardeners are Masters at inspiring lasting, practical action so people benefit from growing their own food. They believe everyone can grow, whether in a garden or allotment, or on their windowsill or communal land. Whatever the crop; whatever the space. If we think about the impact of the contacts we made, it s a lot of people and the ripple effect is enormous. Master Gardener 28 Garden Organic Growing for health and happiness

31 Our thanks Garden Organic is grateful to every volunteering moment by every Master Gardener, as well as every householder who has sown a seed since the programme began in Your enthusiasm inspires people to benefit by growing food. Further thanks to our Coventry University research team for their creativity and dedication to uncover the impacts of the Master Gardener Programme, especially Moya, Lizzi, Bos, Kreafsey, Lazell and Jordon. Finally, thanks to the Master Gardener Programme team co-ordinators, Kate, Gabbie, Fiona, Rick, Nynke, Liza, Robin, Alison, Nicole, Jo, Kate and Susan. Together with the Ryton Garden team, Jane, David, Margi, Tony and Mary. Special thanks to Philip Turvil, Programme Manager With the support of the Big Lottery Fund s Local Food Scheme, we have recruited, trained and supported lively volunteers and celebrated their achievements. With continued support from local organisations, thousands more people will benefit from our mentor networks across the UK. The Master Gardener Team Garden Organic, 2014

32 Garden Organic can help you... Teach children to lead healthier lives by engaging them in growing vegetables at school Our education programmes help teachers and school professionals to develop gardening projects which teach children where their food comes from, develops their scientific and environmental awareness and encourages them to eat more fruit and vegetables. foodforlife.org.uk foodgrowingschools.org Develop stronger, greener communities We run community gardening projects with social housing providers to bring communities together in greening their local environment and boosting its biodiversity. We also help communities with different backgrounds to work together by sharing their knowledge of traditional and exotic crops. sowingnewseeds.org.uk Heritage seed library Our seed library works to collect and conserve an ever increasing variety of historic and heirloom vegetables. Helping increase biodiversity and educating people on seed saving. gardenorganic.org.uk/hsl Reduce the amount of biodegradable waste going to landfill, by boosting home composting Our Master Composters are a network of active volunteers who support residents to compost. This helps them to provide a valuable resource for the garden, whilst at the same time each compost bin diverts around 150 kilograms of organic matter from the waste stream every year. homecomposting.org.uk Build healthier, more active lives by getting people growing food Our Masters Gardeners support residents to grow food in their gardens, allotments, windowsills and other community growing spaces. This brings a wider variety of health and social benefits as residents get more exercise, eat more fresh fruit and vegetables and food miles are reduced. mastergardeners.org.uk Helping communities grow through gardening Meeting a range of community needs Garden Organic +44 (0) enquiry@gardenorganic.org.uk gardenorganic.org.uk Ryton Organic Gardens, Coventry, United Kingdom CV8 3LG Charity Registration Number: Garden Organic is the working name of the Henry Doubleday Research Association. Garden Organic 2014 Design: Touchmedia