cultivate tees valley
Stockton-On-Tees
Cultivate Tees Valley (CTV) is an environmental organisation that works in
partnership to build a better world by growing food security for those living
across the Tees Valley and by transforming unused urban and rural land into
spaces where food is grown. Initiatives focus on combating isolation and
improving mental health by connecting people through food and environmental
initiatives, with a strong focus on recruiting and equipping teams of
volunteers, alongside training and education programmes. Programmes incorporate
art to help beautify more derelict spaces and up-cycling of items that would
normally go to the landfill. Cultivate currently works across the Tees Valley
developing urban food growing gardens and within ten youth centres across
Stockton running an environmental education programme that aims to educate young
people on the issues of climate change and how they can help change their
environment for the better. The work of Cultivate Tees Valley has been partly
inspired by Bonton Farms in Dallas, Texas, an organsation that one of our
Directors worked alongside during his time living in the US. Bonton is located
in an area with high levels of poverty, terrible health outcomes and poor access
to fresh food. Bonton Farms was set up to grow fresh food for local people to
combat their health and hunger issues, and put food on their tables. The other
great impact of their work on their community was through the work they did
mentoring local people through the running of the farm while providing
meaningful activities for those facing isolation and loneliness. Growing Sites
Arlington Park Arly Park is based in Parkfield and is run by the Cornerhouse
Youth Project. This new initiative involves the development of an unused field
into a safe growing space for local children, young people and families. CTV and
Cornerhouse use this space to support pupils from Bowesfield Primary School
during school time hours and work with local young people through evening drop
in sessions. Thornaby Allotments Youth Direction asked CTV to develop their two
allotments that had become overgrown. This growing space is used for vulnerable
young people through one-to-one work, for volunteer days and for adults looking
to improve their mental health through gardening. Harty Road Cafe Garden,
Hartington Road Hartington Road is located in the most deprived area of
Stockton. The Little Sprouts Charity have been working with residents through
cooking programmes, bread making and a Pay As You Feel cafe. CTV started an
urban garden on Hartington Road to provide training and education opportunities
to residents while growing food for the cafe. Elmwood Community Centre Based in
Hartburn, the Elmwood site has raised beds and a poly tunnel. Teesside
University, NCS and Bright Minds Big Futures have partnered on this site. St
Michael's and All Angel's, Norton 2020 will see us develop part of the Church
grounds into a growing space that can be accessed by the local community and
users of the food bank based at the Church.
