Acorn Farm Applications

Purpose

The Acorn Farm Programme aims to: Create a sustainable urban food system which reduces green house gas emissions and is resilient to the effects of climate change and increases bio diversity.

How do I get involved?

Participants on the ‘I Can Grow’ programme are supported with equipment and growing tips and hands on advice from the project horticulturist for two years 2026 and 2027. You will receive 1 raised planter (1mx1m), plants grown from seedlings (lettuce, radish, peas, potatoes, onions, leeks, carrots) compost.

You will be expected to commit to this timeframe and to participate in short surveys and questionnaires which help us learn about your progress.

The surveys help compile research into the impact growing your food at home has on your family or household and climate.

You will be invited to attend an introductory meeting with the project Horticulturist at Conservation Volunteers at Brook Park in Derry~Londonderry and at a local venue in Strabane Town.

What Will I learn

The ‘I Can Grow Programme’ is a hands on practical growing programme based in your home garden or outdoor space. You will learn how to plant and grow local varieties of vegetables and soft fruits in soil from seedlings, how to pick food when it is ready and increase awareness of carbon food miles and the importance of choosing locally sourced produce.

How Do I Apply?

Fill out the online application form for the ‘I Can Grow Programme’. (Please cross check your personal data as we need the exact postcode plus mobile and/or home phone number together with your email address to communicate important information).

There will be an online call for 1/2 hour with staff on Monday 15th December 2025 at 5pm and Thursday 8th January 2026 at 2pm if you need assistance to fill in the application form. Details are within the application form.

PLEASE NOTE: Participation is only eligible to families/households living in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area. Participants must have an outdoor minimum sized space of 1m x 1m to accommodate a raised bed planter.

Participants are required to attend an introductory session, agree to stay involved for a two year period and agree to send a confirmation email to Arlene Douglas at arlene.douglas@tcv.org.uk upon receipt of I Can Grow materials which will be delivered to your home address.

When will the programme begin?

You will receive a text or email from us in early February 2026. In April and May 2026 you can expect deliveries of plants, equipment, raised bed and compost. You can also pick these up at an arranged time.

What is the application criteria?

The programme aims to improve local awareness of the connection between climate change and food choice. Participation in this round of the ‘I Can Grow Programme’ is available to a maximum of 200 families/households residing in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area on a first come first served basis. However, successful applicants to the programme will be drawn from across the council area.

Deadline: 16th January 2026.

Essential Criteria

Families or households must:

• Reside in the Derry City and Strabane District Council Area
• Have a minimum outdoor space of 1m x 1m to accommodate a raised bed planter
• Attend an introductory session facilitated by the project horticulturist from The Conservation Volunteers
• Commit to involvement in two growing seasons ( 2 years) and agree to send confirmation upon receipt of I Can Grow materials to arlene.douglas@tcv.org.uk
• Demonstrate in a few sentences why you want to be part of the ‘I Can Grow Programme’ and how you plan to use the learning in the future. This can be answered in the application form below
• Agree to return the baseline survey and commit to completing short seasonal surveys

Desirable Criteria

One of the aims of the programme is to encourage as many people as possible from your family and friendship circles to get involved.

Notes:

The programme participants will be drawn from across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area. As participation is limited to 200 families, or households this may result in disappointment for some applicants.

You will be informed if your application for this round is successful or unsuccessful by mid February 2026.

If you need any further information please contact: acornfarmproject@communityfoundationni.org or call Shauna Kelpie at 07754558659.