Fearn food garden restored after storm damage thanks to Easter Ross community response

A Ross-shire community food garden is dusting itself down after a devastating brush with Storm Corrie.

The Fearn Free Food Garden, which is situated behind Fearn Hotel, suffered extensive damage during high winds on Saturday January 28, leaving its community garden in need of repair, and their polytunnel destroyed.

Garden organisers Mairi and Seamus MacPherson knew that something was not right when they heard a loud bang on Saturday morning.

Mairi said: "It turned out to be our polytunnel landing on one of our sheds on the other side of the property. It must have taken off in the storm, flown 20 metres past the back of the house, and only just got caught on the shed and a tree!

"It was a massive shock. In flying off it upended filled sturdy wooden raised beds built by our volunteers.

"We messaged a few people to help take the tunnel plastic and frame down, and they turned up quickly and did that.

"But the galvanised frame is mostly snapped and bent and the plastic cover is torn, and we will not be able to reassemble the tunnel again."

Formed in 2020, the garden donated free ‘grow your own’ kits consisting of compost, a growing tray and vegetable seeds to over 100 local families last year.

They also distributed over 2500 free veg plants to the community, and several schools and community groups across the United Kingdom.

Members of the local community were quick to come to the aid of the garden, sending good wishes and offers of help.

Mairi said: "Thank you to everyone who came along to help out, and those who sent good wishes and offers of help at other times.

"The good news is the beds survived, and on Monday a group of volunteers got together to tidy the side and replant the over-wintering plants that were upended by the storm."

"It looks like the sad demise of a tunnel brought folks together, and we are looking forward to hosting our first community event on February 12, a seed swap where folks can pick up free seeds, share any spares they might have, or just stop by for a chat."

For more information on Fearn Free Food Garden, visit highlandseedlings.com/fearn-free-food-garden

Fearn free food garden is a hit with locals

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