Who Are We?
GROW Scarborough is a voluntary organisation dedicated to using food as a powerful tool for rebuilding community connections - centred around a philosophy of “Food Metres Not Food Miles”. Established in August 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic, the project began as a simple idea* shared on Facebook to provide access-for-all to fresh, healthy, local produce while teaching new skills and rebuilding community resilience through shared skills and interaction.
We believe that growing food together is a profound lever for systemic change, touching on critical issues from climate change and mental health to economic resilience and social cohesion.
“GROW Scarborough is an idea - looking to bring access-for-all to fresh, healthy, local produce, teach new skills, encourage community interaction, improve local health issues, and engage with local schools, businesses, and charities. The project could, with support from our fellow residents, local businesses, and council, become an important, valued addition to our town and borough.” Darren Mancrief, August 2022.
Our Projects Provide
Climate Resilience: Locally grown crops reduce carbon footprints and environmental impact.
Improved Wellbeing: Working outdoors reduces anxiety and stress while providing access to fresh, nutritious produce.
Community Bonds: Sharing resources and knowledge re-establishes a sense of community spirit and provides a shared purpose.
Food Security: By saving and sharing locally adapted seeds through our Seed Hubs, we reduce reliance on commercial suppliers and help crops adapt to local weather.
Our Mission & Vision:
Our Mission: To bring individuals, families, and communities closer together through growing and sharing food and skills in a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable way.
Our Vision: To become the regional benchmark, proving that empowering communities through sustainable food growth enables them to become healthier, more resilient, and galvanised.
Our Core Principles: We are guided by a commitment to environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
Meet the Team
We are operated and supported by a team of dedicated volunteers, including:
Darren Mancrief: Darren is the Founder and Chairman of GROW Scarborough, with a deep commitment to sustainable local food and seed production and sharing. He plays an active role in the area’s community food landscape and contributes to the region’s seed sovereignty networks (including as a mentor for new trainees). He is also a familiar speaker at local and regional events.
Lizzy Butterfield: Lizzy is our resident horticulturalist. RHS trained at Harlow Carr, she brings years of professional experience in wildlife-friendly gardening and food growing, including developing the vegetable garden at Nunnington Hall for the National Trust. She is passionate about creating fairer local food systems that don’t cost the earth.
Rob Franklin: Rob is a seasoned grower and our construction wizard, If it needs designing and building, he’s the man we turn to. A professional landscape gardener, with knowledge and experience across multiple industries, Rob brings real practical skills and boundless enthusiasm.
David Chisholm: David has been with us from the very first session. An enthusiastic and committed volunteer, he is carving out a career in horticulture and brings an energy, dedication and genuine interest that makes him an important member of our team.
Our Partners
We work alongside local creatives, charities and organisations to strengthen our ties with the community.
Coast & Vale Community Action (CaVCA) provide invaluable support and trusted us with free reign at The Street Community Garden, while North Yorkshire Council has made many of our projects possible through their collaboration and support - particularly the Public Health team, the Parks & Gardens team, and the wonderful staff and volunteers at Scarborough, Filey and Whitby Libraries.
SeeChange supported us with early funding, friendly advice and invaluable exposure and Northern Seed Sovereignty UK – particularly Catherine - remains one of our staunchest supporters and most valued teachers.
We're also grateful to Supporting Choice CIC for helping with our printing needs from the very beginning, and to Yorkshire Coast Sight Support generous donors of our first greenhouse and makers of a great cuppa.
We've also had the pleasure of working closely with local artist Gaby Naptali, Scarborough & District Horticultural Association, Dads Behaving Madly and neighbouring community projects including Gallows Close Kitchen Garden, St Martins Food Garden, Bell Close Community Garden, Project: Greenspace, Friends of Valley Gardens, Wheatcroft Community Association, and Weaponness Valley Community Group.