A COMMUNITY group that has been growing free vegetables for members of the public are urging residents to support their movement.

Transition Northwich formed one year ago with the aim of creating projects that promote healthy eating and food sustainability.

The group currently has around 12 core members and about 85 overall.

One of their first ideas was to team up with Northwich’s many supermarkets to offer community herbs and vegetables that could be picked by members of the public.

“It’s all about sustainability,” Transition Northwich member Howard Thorp, from Davenham said.

“So it’s about not transporting food long distances, growing as much food locally as you can but the idea behind Transition is much bigger than that.”

The group partnered up with Waitrose for their first project and planted the first batch at the beginning of the summer.

Plants included cherry tomatoes, mint, coriander, mint and other herbal delights.

Fellow Transition Northwich member Paul Mathias, from Rudheath said: “Part of the idea of Transition was to make communities more resilient.

“So growing in the local area, shortening the food chain, is a big part of the idea."

As the season is drawing to a close, the group are now preparing to plant some winter vegetables, and from there wish to expand the scheme even further.

Andrew Cartwright, Waitrose Northwich branch manager, said: "It has been great to support the Transition Northwich team.

"The idea to produce a living food garden that anyone can pick and eat from is fantastic. It also shows what can be produced with limited funds and space.

"It has been well received by customers asking lots of questions which has highlighted Transition Northwich to a wider community. We will continue to support over the winter and into next year."

The group are currently looking at other parts of the town where they can expand the initiative.

One of the things on the horizon is to open an edible garden at Northwich Library, though it won’t happen for around 12 to 18 months due to building works.

In the meantime, Howard said the group are working on a number of future projects.

One involves a shop where members of the public can donate an unwanted item in exchange for something from the shop. The group are actively searching for a premises.

They are also on the lookout for more members.

Paul said: “The more members we have the more we can do,” he said. “The more skills we get the more we can achieve.”

For more information about Transition Northwich, visit transitionnorthwich.weebly.com/