RATHER aptly, seed corn funding from a new trust fund is helping a community allotment project at Brockweir to blossom.

Brockweir Green Shoots project has been the first to benefit from a £1,600 grant from the New Grove Trust which aims to support community groups working within Monmouthshire, the Forest of Dean or South Herefordshire.

Green initiatives, youth schemes, arts projects and festivals are all eligible for grants of up to £2,000.

The Brockweir project is on land next to the eco village shop – the size of two normal allotments and part of the old school playing fields – which is being leased for a peppercorn rent.

Group members are already cultivating six small plots. Eventually quarter of the land will become a community allotment, with all ages encouraged to get involved.

Project chair Chrissy Birch said: "We managed to clear part of the site last year where we planted a range of vegetables. We aim to clear more this year and will eventually grow flowers, fruit and herbs too, with surplus produce sold at the eco shop.

"The NGT grant has made a huge difference. The money covered the cost of hiring a mechanical digger, felling trees and providing a water tap and toolshed. It also paid a solicitor to draw up the lease."