Natural Community Gardening in Woy Woy was a project that built on exisiting assests within the community in relation to knowledge sharing, understanding of the environment and ecology through hands-on learning, and linking youth with their community through the development of natural community gardens on public school sites.

Community workshops, supported by the Peninsula Environment Group, were held at the Woy Woy Environment Centre, and at two public school sites, with practical activities and hands-on learning as the focus. Teachers, parents, grandparents, and local residents were invited to attend to share knowledge and work with the students on in important natural resource management outcomes, consistent with the Catchment Action Plan of the Hunter-Central Rivers CMA.

The project was also aimed at assisting the community in moving towards sustainability through the development of new understandings about the environment and our place in it.

The enthusiasm of the students participating in this project was truly inspiring! We had many more students than anticipated become involved in this project, therefore learning new skills and engaging with members of their community in a way that they have not had the opportunity to before. This project has built pride and lifted the morale of two entire school communities.

Natural Community Gardening in Woy Woy was a foundation for the future development and use of these two spaces through the building of relationships and continued commitment of the schools and local community.

Building local resilience through growing food and strengthening relationships in the local community is becoming a priority for citizens concerned about the health of our society and environment. This type of project encourages positive steps forward and most importantly, teaches our children skills for life and for the future care of our planet.

This project was supported by Gosford City Council through their 2008/09 Community Development Grants.