A visitor from Australia

A visitor from CERES Environmental Centre in Melbourne arrived in Todmorden at the end of June. Eric Bottomley has worked to spread the sustainability message in Australian schools for 25 years – inspiring over 370 schools to reduce water use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste, and to become involved in food growing. He was keen to visit Todmorden and see what is building here.

Paul in the greenhouse loaned to the school

Tony and Eric in the greenhouse

Eric had a tour round the polytunnel and greenhouse at Tod High from Paul Murray and Tony Mulgrew. They showed us how they are incorporating food growing into all aspects of the school curriculum. Students at the school have the opportunity to learn horticultural and land-based skills, and to produce healthy food for the canteen.

wonderful artwork created by the students, in a workshop visit by Faunagraphic

With the planned Food Hub, the school will be able to produce even more of its own food, and food for the wider community too.

Eric also had a tour from Nick of Ferney Lee Old People’s home.

Eric has been involved in building up a community-led environment, education and training centre called CERES in Australia. This is a fabulous ‘twin’ project for Incredible Edible, and Eric promised to stay in touch and share his experience with IET. The CERES website is really worth a visit.