A Hull residents’ group is digging deep to keep children engaged, exercising and learning during the coronavirus lockdown.
Working alongside Hull City Council’s tenant participation team, Charterhouse Community Tenants’ and Residents’ Association (CCTRA) members have been helping children to understand the benefits of healthy eating by teaching them to grow their own salad and vegetables.
Kerry Jones, chair of CCTRA, said, “The children love it, especially the digging and planting involved. Plus they have developed a responsibility for what they are growing and enjoying the interaction with other children.
“There’s a lot of laughter and it’s a great way to pass on environmental awareness and explore the workings of nature. Given their interest in the project, I fully expect our garden to remain an active pastime long after lockdown ends.”
The Charterhouse estate in the city centre has ample communal space for the children to get plenty of exercise whilst gardening.
The deep bed planters have been donated by Hull firm Environmental Management Solutions.
Dave Richmond, Hull City Council’s assistant director for neighbourhoods and housing, said, “We have a number of tenants’ and residents’ associations across the city whose members are doing a terrific job in these unprecedented times.
“They are all volunteers and as well as providing activities for children like the Charterhouse group, they are keeping an eye on their neighbours and running errands for them, helping out at the community hubs and foodbanks, and phoning people who are isolating or shielded through our befriending service.”
