331 (Chesterfield) Squadron see Environmental success!

Last night, 331 (Chesterfield) Squadron hosted the Regional Commandant, Gp Capt Boreham to present a cheque for winning the inaugural Environmental Sustainability Award from HQ Air Cadets.

This once loved garden became overgrown and neglected when caretakers changed, the task of its upkeep becoming too onerous and too much of a burden. Staff at the unit saw the potential that the garden could yield and entered conversation with the caretaker who was happy to allow us to utilise the space.

After the initial injection of TLC to remove the brambles and jungle of overgrown weeds, they cleared the ground and have introduced raised beds - planting a variety of vegetables. Cadets have sewn carrots; beetroot; onions; radishes; planted strawberries, tomatoes and potatoes - successful crops of this fruit and veg have regularly been donated to the local foodbank in the town.

Being an Air Cadet comes with many opportunities for learning, but this project specifically provides the cadets with a unique focus to learn more about the outside world and the benefits that come from gardening. It also enabled the Cadets at 331 to ensure they are using the environment in ways that help us to improve our sustainability by reducing waste, growing our own food, and composting to produce good quality soil which locks in carbon and keeps it out of the atmosphere.

Cadets volunteer and tend the garden at weekends (and in the lighter summer nights, on various evenings throughout the week), alongside members of the dedicated staff team, in a bid to maintain and develop the garden – the commitment shown by the cadets can also contribute towards their DofE volunteering hours.