|
Greenlink Berkshire
|
The network of community groups committed to the care of the environment, greener living and development of the local economy in Berkshire. |
|
BioRegional Development Group |
|
Bioregional Development is a registered charity established in 1994 taking a
market led approach to sustainable development based on the principle of local
production for local needs. It aims to establish a network of regional
industries based on sustainable land use and the promotion of appropriate
technology.
E-mail info@bioregional.com or visit
www.bioregional.com
|
|
Back to top |
|
Box Schemes |
| A study showed £10
spent in a local organic box scheme in Cornwall generates around £25 for the
local economy - compared to approximately £14 for spending in a typical
supermarket. This means that spending money in a local food initiative is
nearly twice as beneficial for the local economy as supermarket spending in
terms of local money flows. Add to this the environmental benefits and it's
not hard to see why local food initiatives are so important for local
economies. Source:
New Economics Foundation, July 2001
Vegetable Box schemes offering a weekly
selection of fresh, locally grown, organically produced vegetables,
delivered to your door, covering areas of Berkshire are:
Sheepdrove Organic Farm
Order on-line at www.sheepdrove.com
Tolhurst Organic Produce
Tel/Fax: 0118 9843428 (Iain Tolhurst)
All year round vegetable box scheme
delivered to neighbourhood reps in Reading area every Thursday late pm.
Minimum number required for drop-off is eight people. No buy-ins, all grown
locally at Whitchurch.
Earthy Roots New Local Veg Box delivery in and around Reading
sourced from local small scale growers. Also eggs, flour, honey, chocolate and much more coming soon! Contact Sean sean@earthyroots.co.uk
Place order and check out offers at www.earthyroots.co.uk
The
Ethical Food Company
started a new box scheme and online shop in 2005. |
|
Back to top |
|
Credit Unions |
Credit Unions are financial co-operatives owned
and run by members. They offer accessible savings and funds for low interest
loans. There are three types of credit unions defined by:
- Geographical area
- Occupation or workplace
- Community of association, ie church, club
etc.
The award-winning Global Credit Union set up
by Reading Borough Council to help low-income families make their homes more
energy efficient is an example of the first type.
Visit Social Enterprise Berkshire at
www.seberkshire.org
|
|
Back to top |
|
Local Currencies |
|
Successful Local Exchange Trading Schemes (LETS)
are running in
Bracknell,
Maidenhead
(Marlow) and Reading. People who join a scheme, a
sophisticated barter network, can trade with each other, swapping skills, goods,
services and hire of equipment, using a local 'unit of exchange'.
This helps to meet the needs of the local
community, by:
- empowering people on low incomes
- encouraging people to use and develop
their skills
- building local communities
For more information visit the national
website at www.letslinkuk.net |
|
Back to top |
|
Local Food |
|
Much is happening on the local food scene in
particular the development of farmers'
markets over the past ten years which
have helped to "save the bacon" of many local producers. Local
farm shops
are also experiencing a surge in support as many stock a wide range of home
grown and locally sourced produce.
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Milton
Keynes, and Oxfordshire Food Group is open to membership by a range of
interested parties from local authorities, schools, producers and individuals.
For more information visit
www.local-food.net and to see the
on-line directory of the local Food
Guide.
Thames
Organic Growers supply local fresh veg through a range of outlets in
Berkshire.
Cobbs Farm and Kitchen,
Bath Road, Hungerford, RG17 0SP
Cobbs Farm have redeveloped their shop with
new products and lines including a cheese and olive counter as well continuing
the pick-your-own of varied fruits and vegetables between June - September.
The farm shop now includes a Butchers, Bakers, Fishmonger and Restaurant.
There is a child?s play area outside as well
as extended patio seating for customers who wish to sit outside, eat and relax.
Contact Hannah Bruce, Tel: 01488 686221 e:mail:
hannah_bruce@hotmail.com
Prosperous Home Farm,
Salisbury Road, Hungerford
Double Guernsey cream, milk, yoghurt, creme fraiche. Shop open 7 days a week.
Tel: 01488 682725 |
|
Back to top |
|
Slow Food |
|
Slow Food is an international non-profit,
eco-gastronomic movement with an active local group, comprising producers and
food lovers alike, who gather to connect with and celebrate the pleasures of the
table and a shared passion for real food. Slow Food works internationally to
promote food, which is good, clean and fair by spreading taste education,
defending biodiversity and connecting producers with co-producers, engaging the
youth to shape the future of Slow Food.
Key objectives are: to educate people about
good, clean and fair food; and to promote and protect food heritages and
biodiversity within a worldwide context
Slow Food Berkshire & Wiltshire
holds many events throughout the year. For more information visit
www.slowfood.org.uk
E-mail: Clare Marriage, Convivium Leader at
slowfoodbw@hotmail.co.uk |
|
Back to top |
|
WI Country Markets |
|
WI country markets have been running in the UK
since 1919 and enable individuals to sell home baked and produced food and
crafts direct to the public. In towns and villages throughout the UK weekly WI
markets have been running for many years. Visit their national website at
www.country-markets.co.uk to find details of Berkshire markets. |
|
Back to top |
|
