Blacklion organic garden Growing green Together

Growing Together is a cross-border peace-building programme uses organic gardening as a medium to promote better community relations in Cavan, Fermanagh and Leitrim. It was officially launched at the Market House in Blacklion, Co. Cavan last week, with support from the International Fund for Ireland (€362,192), the Department of Agriculture, the County Leitrim Partnership, and Polden Puckham Charitable Foundation. More than 200 people aged from eight to 73 are involved in Growing Together, working on gardens in the Fermanagh-Leitrim and Fermanagh-Cavan borders. With the expertise of the Organic Centre in Rossinver, Growing Together 2008-2010 programme has developed into a thriving network of community gardens. The Organic Centre has pioneered the use of gardening as a medium for bringing people from diverse backgrounds to enhance mutual understanding. The programme has three strands: Sustainable Communities, Primary Schools and Women"s Organic Horticultural Training Project. Andy Hallewell, project manager at the Organic Centre, said: 'One of the most exciting elements of the programme is its focus on reconciliation and peace building among participants. Making gardens close to each other is part of the sustainability of the programme, for example, it helps reduce the carbon footprint of our outreach gardeners. 'Once you talk to someone else in the next village about what they"re growing you have the makings of a local food network. These networks enable people to share skills, knowledge, food and even recipes. The current economic climate means more and more people are interested in growing their own food to reduce cost. Cooking sessions are an important part of the programme in helping people make the most of what they grow and getting the different communities together in an informal, relaxed atmosphere.' The gardens are at Belleek, twinned with Kinlough; Belcoo twinned with Blacklion; the Organic Centre, the Field Studies Centre, Derrygonnelly; St. Martin"s PS, Garrison; Belleek Controlled PS; St Patrick"s NS, Blacklion; Kiltyclogher NS; Rossinver NS; St. Columban"s PS, Belcoo,; and Florencecourt PS.