WORK by a community environmental organisation has been attacked for the fifth time. Projects worked on by the Growing Our Future team were severely damaged last weekend — but the team, which has been working day in and day out over the last six months to help establish community food growing areas throughout Okehampton, is remaining positive after the damage.
The attack saw plants in the greenhouse thrown about and all the seedlings, which had been carefully looked after, ruined.
Last Saturday, plants were destroyed and the plastic skin of the poly-tunnel was badly ripped. It was slashed again on Sunday.
Parts of a greenhouse, which is made out of plastic bottles and bamboo, were also pulled down and damaged inside.
Project co-ordinator for Growing Our Future Beth Hamer said the setback to the community food growing project would not stop them from continuing their good work.
'There's no way it will stop us, we are still so excited about the project.
'We all put so much time and effort into what we do, it's a community open to everyone — the young, the old and individuals.
'We have a massive record of people we are working with.'
Beth said the damage done had been destructive but the team wanted to urge youngsters to come and get involved in the community work outdoors.
'When it comes to planting the seedlings it is a delicate job and it's such a shame that something which takes six weeks to do, can be smashed up in just ten minutes.
'We have to work with the seasons and can't just replant at any time.
'There is plenty of work to do and if anyone wants to help out or come along and have a chat about what we do, then they are more than welcome.'
The Growing Our Future team works with a diverse range of individuals, ranging from two-year-olds to 92-year-olds.
The team has raised beds and erected a poly-tunnel and has also been involved with planting orchards, building the reclaimed plastic bottle greenhouse, and many more activities.
The organisation aims to involve all interested community members in creating a safe and enjoyable environment in which to learn and share ideas and skills.
Beth added: 'The project is based on trust and respect and it is incredibly frustrating to see such hard work mindlessly destroyed, with no care or understanding of what it has taken to create such a worthwhile attribute to the town.
'The support from the local community has been overwhelming and continues to drive the project.'
Beth said the Growing Our Future team would like to meet the people who caused the damage, to discuss the reasons why they spent their spare time undoing others' good work and to invite them to get involved in the projects.
'We are an open group, there is always a space in which to suggest and contribute to the work that we do.
'We would very much like to work with the people involved in causing damage to the garden and use their energy in a creative and constructive manner.
'All we ask from the community is to enjoy what we are creating and not to work against us — to respect what we do and to contribute in a positive manner.'
Project manager Ffion Farnell said it was important to the team that the right message was given out.
'It was sad to come back to the gardens and see what had happened, particularly to see all the plants, which had been thriving in the greenhouse, thrown onto the floor.
'There are a lot of people from the school working with us and it's all about coming together collectively and working on positive projects.
'We want to make it clear that everyone is welcome to come and get involved with our projects.
'It is a great way to meet people and to get involved with the community.'
Anyone who would like to speak with the group can phone 07903 121146 or email [email protected]">[email protected]