The meeting focused on community growing initiatives in Swansea. Key topics included public questions about community growing, a detailed report on current projects, and discussions on future opportunities and challenges.

1. Public Questions on Community Growing:

   • Definition of Community Growing: Anthony Richards explained that the council does not have a strict definition but views it as involving community participation, often including food growing and biodiversity benefits.
   • Encouraging Community Interest: The council promotes grants for community growing projects through social media and works with various teams to support these initiatives.
   • Framework for Project Development: The council uses a no wrong front door approach, where community groups can get support from multiple departments, ensuring collaborative efforts across different services.

2. Community Growing Report:

   • Funding and Support: The report highlighted significant funding from Welsh Government (£689,000) for tackling food poverty, which supports community growing projects. Successful initiatives include St John's Food Bank, Swansea Community Farm, and Clerich Community Gardens.
   • Community Engagement: Workshops and training sessions have been funded to increase community involvement and skills in gardening.
   • Sustainable Food Partnerships: Funding has also supported sustainable food partnerships and local food production projects.
   • Health and Environmental Benefits: Community growing initiatives contribute to human health, environmental sustainability, and local economies.

3. Questions from Councillors:

   • Orchard Project: Councillor Dye Jenkins inquired about training for pruning and fruit utilization. Deb Hill explained the Orchard Project, funded by the Moon Dance Foundation, which provides training and support for community orchards.
   • Utilizing Private Gardens: Councillor Linden-Jones suggested using private gardens of elderly residents for community growing. Anthony Richards mentioned the Land and Tend scheme, which links garden owners with people looking for growing spaces.
   • Community Growing on Large Estates: Councillor Linden-Jones asked about projects on large estates. Anthony Richards emphasized the importance of community-initiated projects and mentioned support from the Environment Centre's Green Spaces Project.
   • Mapping and Identifying Opportunities: Councillor Woe Thomas asked about identifying potential sites for community orchards. Deb Hill mentioned the Wild About Our Ward project, which maps biodiversity features and green spaces in each ward.
   • Allotment Management: Councillor Woe Thomas inquired about monitoring allotment occupancy. Catherine confirmed that allotments are self-managed but suggested annual reporting to track occupancy and address issues.
   • School Involvement: Councillor Woe Thomas proposed having a biodiversity governor in each school to promote nature projects. Anthony Richards noted the increase in school applications for grants related to food poverty and growing projects.

4. Additional Comments:

   • Coordination and Leadership: Councillors emphasized the need for a more coordinated approach and suggested having a dedicated cabinet member and officer for community growing initiatives.
   • Utilizing Unused Land: Councillors discussed the potential of using unused private gardens and ensuring that community growing projects are sustainable and well-maintained.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of community involvement, the need for better coordination, and the potential benefits of expanding community growing initiatives in Swansea.