Rooted in Hull is a new city farm being developed on an old dry dock near the River Hull. It’s ethos to be as much off-grid with water harvesting, greywater recycling and solar power. It uses shipping containers and raised beds for fruit and vegetable growing. Rooted aims to promote good fresh food and demonstrate environmental and unusual growing techniques, demonstrating the journey from field to fork.
The Naturesave Trust helped fund a rainwater harvesting system that captures rainwater from the roof of the adjacent Royal Mail depot. Founder Adrian Fisher said, “The idea to harvest water came from watching the rain falling on the roof and wondering if it could be saved and stored. Last summer’s drought was very difficult for as we were bringing water in containers until Yorkshire Water provided a standpipe to save the plants from dying. We had over 150 volunteers helping us get established in 2018 and it was very disappointing for them to see the plants wilting through lack of water. It is brilliant that Naturesave has funded our system.”
Now Rooted will be able to store water in large containers and use it through the summer to ensure there will be just enough water to keep the plants healthy without any waste. The farm currently welcomes volunteers two days a week and will have public open days in 2019 when it welcomes people to the shop and café.
Read more about this innovative city farm and food hub