Poacher’s Patch springs into life with community planting days 

Late last year, Lincoln City Foundation launched Poacher’s Patch, an initiative designed to connect people with food, wellbeing and the outdoors. Now, with the arrival of spring, that vision is becoming a reality.

Over the Easter holidays, participants from the Foundation’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme have been getting hands-on, planting the first crops at Poacher’s Patch, including rows of potatoes set to be harvested in the summer.

The sessions have offered more than just gardening experience. Young people have been learning where food comes from, how it grows, and why healthy, sustainable eating matters, turning education into something tangible.

This stage of the project has been made possible thanks to the support of Branston Ltd, a valued club platinum partner and Friend of the Foundation. Their backing has helped bring the planting phase to life, providing both expertise and resources to support a successful first growing season.

Archsana Althaea, youth delivery manager, said: “Poacher’s Patch is all about giving young people hands-on experiences that build confidence and understanding. Seeing them planting, learning where food comes from, and working together outdoors has been fantastic.

“This is more than just gardening, it’s about developing life skills that will stay with them well beyond today.”

Jackie Baker, communications manager at Branston, added: “The children have really enjoyed getting stuck in, digging the soil and planting potatoes. They’re now looking forward to seeing them grow and returning in the summer to harvest what they’ve planted.”

By combining practical activity with education, Poacher’s Patch is already delivering on its promise, helping young people build confidence, develop new skills, and understand the journey from soil to plate.