Residents invited to shape future of community food growing

Isle of Wight residents are being invited to shape the future of local food growing in a new collaborative initiative.

Locals are being encouraged to take part in the Community Growing Survey, a joint scheme between the Isle of Wight Food Partnership, Isle of Wight Council and the IW Biosphere Steering Committee.

The survey aims to map existing community growing spaces across the Island, identify capacity and future needs, and connect individuals and groups interested in collaborating, learning and working together on joint projects.

Any individuals can complete the survey, whether they are part of a community garden, an allotment, a local business, a parish council or if they are just passionate about growing food.

The survey also looks to hear from those who would like to be involved in growing food but are not yet, especially if they have land to grow on.

Residents can complete the survey until January 5, 2026.

After this date, a meeting will be convened to share results and agree on next steps, including creating actionable plans for the year ahead.

The survey has been launched after a keen desire was shown at the Environment and Sustainability Forum to explore opportunities for knowledge-sharing and collaborative funding bids.

Katy Hurd, Environment and Biosphere Community Coordinator at the Isle of Wight Council, said: “We were thrilled to see such enthusiasm from our Island residents with regard to community growing and look forward to building a stronger, more resilient local food system together, based on the findings of this survey.”

Feedback from the survey will help shape efforts to support a more sustainable and connected community.

• Take the Community Growing Survey

For more information, please contact: Katy Hurd – Environment and Sustainability Community Co-ordinator at sustainaility@iow.gov.uk