Community growing plans for Sandown Common Good land to be shared at public events

Grow Nairn will present plans for a market garden on Sandown Common Good land at two public events and is seeking feedback; a 2024 feasibility study found 90% local support for food growing projects.

Grow Nairn is presenting a proposal to establish a community market garden on Sandown Common Good land and is seeking public feedback at two upcoming events. The idea to use Sandown emerged in 2022 after plans to sell the land for housing were halted. A feasibility study commissioned by the Nairnshire Area Committee in 2024 showed strong local support for food growing projects, and Grow Nairn formed a five-member committee in February last year to develop the idea. The group says it plans to run as a social enterprise and to share more details with the community at scheduled sessions. Key details: - The group will speak at The Highland Weigh's Climate Cafe on February 26 at 6pm and will hold a community engagement drop-in at Nairn Community Centre on March 7 from 10.30am to 12.30pm. - The proposal could involve use of up to four hectares of Sandown Common Good Land if a lease is agreed. - Planned activities include growing fruit and vegetables, tree planting and orchard development, use of polytunnels, and small-scale infrastructure to support crop shares. - Grow Nairn intends to operate as a social enterprise, with plans mentioned for a vegbox scheme for households and local cafes and restaurants, job creation, volunteer roles and social opportunities. - The group is currently running a survey and has further information available on its website. Summary: The project aims to increase local access to sustainably grown food and to create social and economic opportunities within the town. Public events and an online survey are scheduled to gather community views, and any use of the Sandown site would depend on a lease agreement. Undetermined at this time.