It is said about 250,000 children in Scotland are living in low income families and “persistent poverty”.  It is a reminder of how non-profit charitable organisations can make a long-term difference to children and families in these unacceptable situations. Mariposa tackle this issue at grassroots levels in one way by teaching children how and why to grow healthy food. Namely because as fuel prices rise food becomes more expensive, especially our healthy food. The economic benefits of growing and storing your own fruit and veg outweigh the cost to your pocket and health of an imported chocolate bars, fizzy drinks or sweets. Child poverty has been linked to child tooth decay and child obesity which is further evidence of the need for education on food and its link to well-being. Through this education children are more aware of their health, their environment and are highly encouraged by the positive results. Mariposa provide opportunities to children to develop healthily by choosing to play outdoors in the community gardens, by interacting in a friendly non-threatening environment and even although their home circumstances may be extremely difficult and damaging they can make a change to themselves. And in time break the poverty cycle through health, education and awareness.

BBC Article

‘It comes as figures suggest 13 Scottish councils have wards where more than 30% of children live in pockets of severe poverty. The Campaign to End Child Poverty called for greater investment to stop the levels of poverty “spiralling”. The group has produced a map of child poverty for every ward, council and constituency.’

(See link)

The Chequered Skipper

“Recent monitoring results of Chequered Skipper butterfly numbers at Lochaber’s Allt Mhuic butterfly reserve on the north shore of Loch Arkaig show that numbers have increased for the second year running.

The butterfly, which can only be found in the UK at a handful of Scottish sites, in and around Lochaber and north Argyll, is staging a remarkable come-back after several years of decline.”  Full article on Forestry Commission website.

Mariposa ladies t-shirts for sale £22 here

Promoting organic agriculture

Promoting fair trade

Raising funds for Mariposa project work

Supporting amd sustaining smallscale cotton farms

For every 2 t-shirts sold we can provide an organic, fairtrade gardening overall t-shirt for a child on our projects.

Big Butterfly Count with the Butterfly Conservation Saturday 16th July- 31st July 2011

In a sunny flowery spot sit for 15 minutes and count how many butterflies there are. Try identify them with the helpful information provided by the Butterfly Consertvation. Follow link for more details.

http://www.bigbutterflycount.org/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Butterfly+Conservation&utm_campaign=BBC+Viral+July+2011&utm_content=Big-Butterfly-Count-2011&dm_i=DGT,GV17,2MICT5,1DJOK,1

Tree-mendous effort at park

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VOLUNTEERS got digging at a Bearsden green space in a bid to transform it into a wildlife oasis.

They planted 100 native trees in King George V Park in Killermont in a move that will make it a haven for birds, bees, bugs and butterflies.

Environmental charity Mariposa led the planting, and were joined by pupils from Bearsden Academy’s eco-committee and members of the Butterfly Conservation Glasgow Branch.

They hope that in 10 years time, the trees will be in full blosom and will become a valuable wildlife refuge.

Read more information here

Our collaborative school project in Govanhill has come to life! Pupils and teachers are very happy to see their raised beds and old whisky barrels bursting with potatoes, climbing beans, leeks, herbs and many more vegetables.

We look forward to seeing more bees, butterflies and wriggly worms joining in the fun too once the wild flowers are in bloom. This is one of the rare opportunities children have to garden and they certainly enjoy it. We hear some nostalgic stories of how they used to grow much of their own food back in Romania and neighbouring countries. It is really important for them to have the chance to garden here. And great to hear their enthusiastic  feedback on spotting butterflies and other bugs new to the playground!

To give them this chance to learn about growing food in Scotland, learning about native plants, the insects, the soil, the ecology is something that most pupils really appreciate and respect. We aim for the garden to a large extent to be self-maintaining; it is organic, it recycles its waste, feeds itself and cooperates with its neighbours.

As the caretakers we can help support the garden by ensuring the plants are not competing for space or nutrients, provide healthy habitats for wildlife, cut back overgrowth, add compost/mulch, ensure soil fertility and encourage all to look after it.

The benefits of gardening can be enjoyed when we see the healthy fruit&vegetables emerge from the tiny seeds that they were, taste their delicious flavour and see the garden buzzing with biodiversity in its own mini playground ecosystem.

The before picture at the start of 2011

On 1st May 2011 an European Directive, known as the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD) comes into full force. At this point, many herbs used in medicinal, cosmetic and food products must be regualted under this law, requiring complicated and prohibitively expensive standards to be met. Read more. This negatively affects the consumers who can no longer make their own judgements on which herbs they choose to use, and of course the many Herbal/Holistic/Traditional Medicine businesses across the UK and the rest of the EU. The system will be highly controlled and over-regulated. Please join the campaign before it is to late defend our right to choose which herbs we buy or sell.

Created new raisedbed out of old timber for children to plant food and flowers in. Amazing what you can do with old discarded materials!

Today we saw 2 early butterflies fluttering in the sun (a peacock and small tortoiseshell), lots of bumblebees and spring flowers. Fun had at school project except for the boy telling us how he captures and drowns bees!!

http://www.naturalnews.com/034412_home_gardening_vegetables_civic_buildings.html

“If you take a grass verge that was used as a litter bin and a dog toilet and turn it into a place full of herbs and fruit trees, people won’t vandalize it. I think we are hard-wired not to damage food,” said Warhurst, concerning the notion that offering free fruit and vegetables might lead to abuse or other crimes. She noted, in fact, that quite the opposite has occurred — the Incredible Edible program has improved community relations, and reduced crime by an incrementally higher amount every single year since it first started.

Local MP Jo Swinson endorses Mariposa - follow link

Commenting, Jo said:

“As we make the transition to a sustainable society, the work of organisations such as Mariposa is going to be absolutely vital. Their projects will engage whole communities in work which revitalises green spaces, encourages people to switch to a healthier diet, reduces food miles and carbon emissions, and helps promote biodiversity. I was really inspired by Stephanie’s approach, and I look forward to seeing Mariposa’s gardens flourishing all over East Dunbartonshire.”

Commenting, Mariposa founder Stephanie McAdams said:

“Mariposa is about transforming unused land into flourishing, diverse and edible landscapes for the entire community to enjoy. I am really excited about the potential of this organisation. We can really contribute to making societies more unified, happier, healthier.”