The seeds of a big idea which could change the face of the city and the diets of residents have been sown at the University of Portsmouth in Hampshire.
The roots of an eco-friendly future have been planted by staff and students who are growing their own food on 50 gardening plots across the campus.
The aim is for the project to grow and eventually inspire the city's residents to take up their trowels and seed packets and grow their own food.
The project is linked to the city's Healthy Cities Initiative and is being run by the university's Creative Urban Regeneration group (CURe), supported by staff and students across campus.
It is part of a wider academic study into urban regeneration aimed at reducing food miles, challenging the power of supermarkets, cutting oil use and fighting climate change.
Project leader, senior architecture lecturer Catherine Teeling, said: “Staff and students came forward in their droves to sign up for a gardening plot when we unveiled the project. Many people are struggling to buy food and many others see the chance to grow their own food as exciting and novel but also healthy.”
About 50 one-metre square plots were dug on three sites at the university, including in courtyards and indoor containers, and planting began last autumn. Staff and students are growing crops including potatoes, garlic, salad vegetables, fruits and flowers.
CURe is now working with Portsmouth City Council to explore the potential for establishing community Urban Lots across the city.
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