Members of RWE’s Norfolk Offshore Wind Farms Community Panel recently visited Eves Hill Veg Co to see first-hand how their funding has helped this thriving community project expand and strengthen its work.
Thanks to support from the Norfolk Offshore Wind Farms Community Fund, Eves Hill Veg Co has been able to extend its growing area by half an acre, installing rabbit-proof fencing to protect crops and investing in vital work to improve water access across the site. These practical improvements have made a real difference to the productivity and sustainability of the project, which is run by Hannah and Tom, a dedicated pair who have been cultivating the site for the past four years.
Beyond food production, the project is also about creating opportunities for people. Eves Hill runs volunteer sessions, training programmes, and the only paid market gardening apprenticeship in East Anglia, helping local residents build new skills and careers in sustainable horticulture. Many former trainees have gone on to start their own community growing projects or take up roles in similar organisations.
The team at Eves Hill can now grow on a full acre of land, producing around £45,000 worth of fresh vegetables each year for 60 local households and 10 restaurants through their veg bag scheme. By only harvesting what customers pre-order, they keep waste to an absolute minimum while supplying high-quality, locally grown food.
Katy Woodington, Team Lead of Community Investment UK & Ireland for RWE, said: “It’s inspiring to witness the Norfolk Offshore Wind Farms Community Fund turning the community’s vision into reality. Partnering with the Norfolk Community Foundation has been critical in ensuring local voices are heard and investments truly make a difference. The application process is simple and straightforward, and the community panel are well supported and empowered to focus on their decision-making role identifying projects that have tangible, lasting benefits. Eves Hill Veg Co is a brilliant example of how this funding helps local people create opportunities and strengthen the fabric of their communities.”
The funding has not only enabled Eves Hill Veg Co to grow more food, but has also strengthened its role as a learning and wellbeing hub. By supporting projects like this, the fund is helping communities across Norfolk build more resilient local economies and stronger connections between people and the land.
The fund is open now. Grants of up to £10,000 are available for community groups in select parishes until 13th November.