Adam Skirkowski

The student vegetable garden, currently situated behind the Park Village residences, is being relocated to its permanent home in Northfield. The new site will be more accessible, with wider paths and a larger shed to accommodate wheelchair users.

The student garden is a community space where Sussex students and staff can grow fresh organic food and learn about horticulture and sustainability. It's run by the student society Roots, and they've been actively involved in the design of the new garden in collaboration with the University. Planning meetings have been held between the University, Students' Union and Roots society in preparation for the move.

Adam Skirkowski, a spokesperson for Roots, said: 

"The agreement we reached with the University has secured their involvement and financial capabilities to help the new site hit the ground running. Now, we can look forward to not only the preservation of the current site but a better, more inclusive site with better infrastructure and a long-term commitment from the university to support what we do."

In the current plot, the members of Roots have managed to grow everything, from corn, sunflowers, potatoes, cabbages, gourds, and broccoli to fruits and berries. They follow ecological principles to grow produce and support local wildlife; they store and exchange seeds, and share their knowledge of permaculture. 

Members are trusted to take away an amount of produce equivalent to the work they've put in, and any excess goes to charities and the student-led Food Waste Café. They also have a composting system, so nothing goes to waste.

When I asked Adam what had prompted him to join Roots, he pointed at lockdown. During the pandemic, many people discovered the joy and the health benefits of outdoor activities.

"The motivation was to get out of the house," Adam confessed, "the result was a healthy obsession with growing food for my community. As an ecologist, I adore the natural world and there is no better place to interact with the life that goes on around you, separate from the pressures of society, than at Roots."

Roots members are currently busy organising the move with the University contractors, and they welcome any student or staff who wants to join them.

"We just want to get in there as soon as possible, as growing season has just arrived" Adam explains. "We’re eager to move to the new site behind Northfield at a moment's notice, and we’d greatly appreciate any helping hands along the way."

Until the new garden opens in May, the old plot will still be in use. Roots run sessions every Wednesday and Sunday from 1pm to 3pm, and everybody is welcome. The garden is also open for those who want to enjoy the space outside session times.

If you want to know more about the student garden or Roots, check Sussex Roots Facebook page.

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