Bird's-eye view sows a good idea for Bexhill pilot

"I was struck by the huge amount of green space even within the relatively built-up areas around the town centre.

"In this age of food shortages and care for our environment it seems like an overlooked resource. If it is green, we could be eating it! Individually we may only have a very small garden or even balcony; by working together we literally have a farm and can grow many of the vegetables and fruits that we would normally buy."

This idea germinated into "the big sow", an exciting community gardening project being spearheaded by 'the hill' '“ the acclaimed alternative worship group from St Peter's Church.

Jason said: "Last year the hill won a major prize for our work as an eco-congregation.

"We had many ideas about how to spend the prize money but ultimately it seemed that the only right thing to do was to give the money away to the community; this we will be doing in the form of seeds.

In the coming days seeds will be delivered to as many homes and schools within the parish as possible along with an invitation to grow something and bring it along to a harvest celebration meal at St Peter's Community Centre in September.

Fellow team member Jim Truscott said: "Bring whatever you manage to grow '“ one carrot will be gladly received '“ together we will have plenty to eat, plus a great many experiences to share."

There is also a community vegetable garden at 141 Dorset Road, which is open from 10am until noon every Saturday. Everyone is welcome to come along to help, enjoy or just meet others.

Jason said: "Having had this big idea I must confess to knowing very little about gardening '“ but I really hope that others will bring their expertise to join my enthusiasm!"