A Wigan landlord is lending a green-fingered hand to those in need

As the cost of fresh fruit and vegetables continues to rise, one Wigan landlord has taken matters into his own green-fingered hands - by setting up a community garden at his pub to provide fresh produce for those in need.

James Kerry, who manages The Lychgate Tavern in Standish, decided to harness unused space around the pub’s car park to plant a selection of crops including potatoes, sweetcorn, peas, beetroot, courgettes, apples, figs, strawberries and gooseberries.

From left: landlord James Kerry with Andy Frost, centre who help him set up the garden as well as helper Craig Farley

placeholder image — From left: landlord James Kerry with Andy Frost, centre who help him set up the garden as well as helper Craig Farley

However, he admits to being a complete novice and is hoping others will come forward with both advice and practical help to tend the patch

James said: “We are always being told to eat healthily, but the reality is that fresh fruit and vegetables can be very expensive. So, together with a friend, Andy Frost, I decided to try and grow our own. The aim is to put baskets of what we harvest on the bar so that people who need a bit of support can help themselves. But we could really do with some advice and direction to make the most of what we’re planting. For example, one thing we’re particularly unsure about is Swiss chard. How do we look after it, when should we harvest it, and what’s the best way to cook or use it?”

The Lynchgate's garden is beginning to bear fruit

He added that he was also looking for volunteers who could spare an hour or two to help with weeding and general maintenance.

Donations of gardening equipment would also help boost the project.

The Lychgate is owned by the Manchester-based Joseph Holt brewery which owns 127 pubs across Wigan and the North West.

The cost-of-living crisis and rising food prices have made it increasingly difficult for lower-income households to maintain a healthy diet. In the UK, more than seven million adults cannot afford enough nutritious food, including fruit and vegetables.

Only one in 10 UK children eats their recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables on a typical school day.

Joseph Holt area manager Mike Gauder said:

“Our pubs have always been at the heart of the communities where they are located and are so much more than places to enjoy a drink.

"Our pub managers and their teams are always looking for ways to support those in need.

“The Lychgate is one of our first community gardens, and we are so proud of James in finding another way in which Joseph Holt can support those in need.”