On Air Now Jack McHugh 3:00pm - 7:00pm Galantis / David Guetta / 5 Seconds Of Summer - Lighter Schedule

Isle Of Wight Charity Supports 'Free' Green Island Veg Economy

Cowes Men's Shed

An Isle of Wight charity has joined forces with green-fingered enthusiasts - in a bid to encourage Islanders to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

The Green Island Veg Economy or 'GIVE' was founded by a Bembridge woman - in a bid to encourage others to utilise their garden for growing fruit and vegetables.

As previously reported by Isle of Wight Radio,  founder of GIVE, Holly Maslen, received personal recognition in the form of a personal letter from the Prime Minister - for setting up the group on the Isle of Wight.

Holly hopes to create and live by a “money-free economy” based on sharing and exchanging home-grown produce - at no cost to anyone.

In the lockdown, the Facebook Group gained momentum, with Islanders keen to show off their creations and not rely on supermarkets.

It now has more than 8,000 members on the Isle of Wight - with other GIVE groups popping up across the country.

Now, Storeroom2010’s Cowes Men’s Shed is handmaking a range of tables for members - so they can share their produce outside this Spring.

Excess plants and seedlings are available via the GIVE Facebook Group here - which is also a place to share photos and get tips and advice.

The end result is the hope that hundreds, if not thousands of us on the Isle of Wight will grow our own crops - and leave them in their front garden for others to collect for free.

More from Isle of Wight News