Urban Farming in the UK | Underground farms that reuse air raid shelters – Green Growers | Safe, secure and environmentally friendly hydroponic lettuce cultivation
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The UK originally had a deep-rooted culture of home-grown farming in community farms called allotments, but now many Urban Farming projects are being implemented, making use of not only vacant land but also unused warehouses and basements. Masu.
Let’s take a look at some of them here.
An underground farm made from a reused air raid shelter
There are examples of urban farming being created in underground tunnels that were used as air raid shelters during World War II.
We use a vertical farming method called vertical farming, and use LED lighting and recycled carpet scraps soaked with nutrient-containing water to perform hydroponic cultivation. Therefore, it is possible to grow it underground without using soil, sunlight, or pesticides.
Additionally, because water is recycled, water usage can be reduced by 70% compared to cultivation on regular farmland. Another feature of vertical farming is that the trays used for cultivation are stacked vertically, making it possible to make effective use of limited space.
Additionally, the light and temperature are perfectly regulated, so you can consistently grow fresh herbs and microgreens such as broccoli sprouts, mizuna and wasabi greens, regardless of the climate. Another key point is that it can be delivered to consumers in as little as four hours after harvesting.
(reference:Benefits of urban farming in unexpected places)
A community farm using space around a London bus stop
There is a project that uses space around bus stops in London to create community farms.
It is unique in that it beautifies the urban landscape while providing an opportunity for people using public transportation to grow and harvest edible plants.
It is attracting attention as a new food supply site that not only makes effective use of limited space in urban areas, but also makes effective use of time spent waiting for the bus.
A community farm that utilizes vacant land where anyone can freely grow vegetables.
There is a community-led Urban Farming operation in Todmorden, England.
It is a system in which vegetables, fruits, herbs, etc. are grown on vacant lots in the city, and anyone can freely harvest them for free.
Under the slogan, “Get forgiveness, not permission,” activities have been carried out by planting trees on someone’s land without permission, allowing them to grow, and then obtaining permission.
It all began in 2008, when people in the city decided to take action to make food with their own hands and have hope for the future, amidst growing social unrest following the Lehman Shock.
Planting seeds without permission can feel like a forced method, but many landowners decide to take action after seeing people happy with the way their neglected land full of weeds has been transformed into a beautiful place with lots of fruits and vegetables. He says he agrees.
Community farms not only produce food, but also play an important role as places for local residents to interact. Activities are carried out on a volunteer basis, and the key point is that it is easy to participate by working in the fields twice a month.
In addition, we do not use government subsidies for reasons such as “because we cannot do it freely,” but instead use donations and lecture fees to cover the funds and necessary materials for our activities.
This activity became so popular that city ordinances changed, making it mandatory for new homes to have a garden. Through Urban Farming activities, relationships of trust between residents have deepened, and they have had a positive impact on the townscape and living comfort.